The BLUE GREEN Art Exhibition continues with ART TALK Tuesday November 29^th ,2011

A fun crowd turned out for the BLUE GREEN Art Exhibit opening night that continued into the wee hours.  Art Nucleus is letting everyone know that those not having the opportunity to see the exhibit and the BLUE Hole ceiling (artistry of curator Jacki Boss), Art Nucleus will host a casual evening with the artists from 7:00 to 8:30pm at L’Utopia, Les Fontains TUESDAY November 29^th.

Visitors will once again have the opportunity to view the Bahamian art of seven local artists including Jacki Boss, multimedia artist,  Susan Moir Mackay, conceptual artist, Omar Smith conceptual artists, Patrick Forbes filmmaker,  Del Foxton handmade paper artists, Ebony Ferguson painter and Ken Heslop, multimedia artist.

The evening will also provide the opportunity to engage informally with the artists and gain insights into their inspirations, techniques and processes.

The BLUE GREEN Exhibit continues until November 29^th by appointment. .Admission is free.  We look forward to seeing you.

More information is available at www.http://artnu.wordpress.com/

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Many folks are under the grand illusion that a winner is one who wins or achieve something first in order to be labeled or even considered a winner. Well, according to secular standards this is quite true. However with God, the opposite is true, In fact, he encourages us to think of ourselves as winners even before we enter the contest for winning anything.

With such scriptures as; “Call those things that be not as though they are” “All things are possible to him that believe” “According to your faith be it unto you”.  We must ask the question, why is God so confident in us, and we find it so difficult to be confident in ourselves as it relates to what he has said and thinks towards us?

Well, the understanding of this mystery is quite simple, and that is, we have bought into the secular ideology, that winning is a physical achievement or attaining of a desired goal. My friend if this is your thinking then clearly, your mind needs to be renewed. NEWS FLASH: BEING A FOLLOWER OF JESUS CHRIST QUALIFIES YOU AS A WINNER ALREADY, REGARDLESS OF YOUR PRESENT POSITION OR THE PHYSICAL EVIDENCE THAT WOULD SUGGEST OTHERWISE!

As a matter of fact, your present position or feelings of defeat and despair is NOT OF GOD! Instead it is a well-crafted plan specifically engineered by Satan and his forces for you to focus strictly on “your feelings” in so doing, your feelings will offering you the option to give up and throw in the towel, but the Devil is a liar! God did not say depending on your feelings you are a winner, instead he says you are presently a winner, even in your seemingly defeated state, because winning begins with what God has said and you believing what he has said. Begin breaking that feeling right now by saying I BELIEVE WHAT GOD SAYS ABOUT ME, I AM CONVINCED THAT I AM A WINNER EVEN NOW AND FOR THE AREAS OF MY MIND THAT HAS A TOUGH TIME BELIEVING THAT, LORD I HUMBLY AS YOU TO HELP MY UNBELIEF IN THIS AREA IN JESUS NAME!

A true and genuine winner is one who searches the scriptures in an attempt to discover what God says about whatever it is that he wants to win. He in turn now begins to convince himself that the word (THE WORD OF God)) is his final and ultimate authority and begins to meditate on that word day and night. In doing this, scripture does not say he becomes a tree instead it clearly says he becomes like a tree. Meaning, he begins to grow with a solid understanding and foundation in his mind of what the word says about HIM BEING A WINNER AND NOT WHAT IT IS THAT HE WANTS TO WIN, this is key! Scripture then goes on to say that it is only then, that when this process is done that whatever he puts his hand to shall prosper, translated HE MUST NOW WIN PHYSICALLY! Psalms 1:2-3.

The bottom line my friends, the terms winner or winning with God is a two stage process for the Believer, and that is the Believer must initially place in his mind whatever the word of God says about whatever it is that he wants to win, then meditate on that word and not what he wants to win. It is only then that he must put action to what he desires to win, with the sole belief that he will win not due to his strength or intellect but by his confidence in the POWER OF THE LIVING WORD OF GOD! So, to answer the question that I asked earlier, what makes me a winner? Well, my complete confidence in the word of God is what makes me a winner.

Heavenly Father, I thank you for giving the readers of this article the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of you. I thank you that the eyes of their understanding have been enlightened. So that they may now know the hope or expectation of your calling, as you have assigned them according to your purpose. I pray that they will proceed from this day forward with confidence, boldness and might to do the impossible, because their idea of winning has been converted from just an act to being completely saturated in the belief of your word that says they have been created to win, in Jesus name. Amen!

Written by: Kevin L A Ewing

kevinewing@coralwave.com

kevinlaewing.blogspot.com

The increasing amount of crimes committed by our nations youth has the entire Bahamas in fear of what our future holds for the next generation. Everyone is looking for an answer to this escalating problem. The Government of the Bahamas with our Prime Minister at the helm decided to take charge and launch a National Youth Programme, Volunteer Bahamas.

The launch of this great initiative took place simultaneously at the Sheraton at Cable Beach, New Providence and Pelican Bay, Grand Bahama on Tuesday, November 22nd 2011. Pastors, Politicians, Youth Leaders, Service Organization Leaders and Volunteers all gathered to get first hand information on the much needed initiative spearheaded by the government.

In the Honorable Charles Maynard,  Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture’s remarks; he stated that this programme is the answer to the root cause of the social ills of our society.  Minister Maynard also pointed out that through volunteerism, numerous young men and women lives made a 360 degree transformation. He drew reference to an outstanding Bahamian Boxer Valentino Knowles; who was involved in boxing from the age of 6. Mr. Turner and Miller motivated and mentored this young man; who is now ranked #2 in America and #27 in the world. Although involved in boxing; Mr. Knowles was a product of his environment  and was in and out of trouble throughout his teen years, but it was the intervention of people who volunteered and invested their time in Valentino, that turned him around.Valentino  Knowles said, “society was behind me, encouraging me to do better and boxing kept me from a negative environment”.

Prime Minister of the Bahamas, The Right Honorable Hubert Alexander Ingraham was the Guest Speaker. Prime Minister Ingraham said that the focus of the programme is to build a safer, healthier and Non violent community and also to build existing community services programmes. The Government’s aim is to foster virtues such as kindness, compassion and manners and respect. In his speech, Prime Minister stated that the Government alone cannot fully address criminality, instability and antisocial behaviors; but Families, Churches, Social Clubs in collaboration with the government is all required to resolve the problem of crime in our community.

To date 359 persons have volunteered for the programme and the government is asking that others do the same. Forms can be obtained from the government’s website :www.bahamas.gov.bs and forwarded to the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture at either the Nassau or Freeport’s Office. Service Organizations are also asked to come and register their Organization with the Ministry; as individual volunteers will be forwarded to their service clubs as well.

For more information on the programme, send an email to: volunteer@bahamas.gov.bs

Last year more than 16,000 entries were received by National Geographic a company who is known to set the standard for photographic excellence. It is that time of the year once again and the deadline is almost here but someone from the Bahamas has to be able to submit a photo for this contest and ultimately – WIN!

National Geographic is looking for shots in three categories: people, places, and nature. It is advised that participants submit photos that “accurately reflect the captured moment in time.”

What is the GRAND PRIZE?

Let’s just say if you won you would receive ”$10,000 and a trip to National Geographic headquarters in Washington, D.C., to participate in the annual National Geographic Photography Seminar in January 2012: A behind-the-scenes experience like none other.” – National Geographic

For more details about this competition visit their site.

Freeport, Grand Bahama Island – The newly-developed artist’s collective, “Art Nucleus ” announces the Blue-Green Exhibition set for Friday, November 25th at L’Utopia. The exhibit will include paintings, installation works, conceptual pieces and video. Artists participating are Jacki Boss, multimedia artist; Susan Moir Mackay, conceptual artist and writer; Omar Smith, conceptual photographer and writer; Patrick Forbes, filmmaker; Del Foxton, handmade paper artist; Ken Heslop, multimedia artist; and Ebony Ferguson, painter.

“The concept we are trying to promote is acceptance and interest in a wider variety of “fine art” from both the community and the artists themselves,” said exhibition curator, Jacki Boss. “The artists have integrated various materials into their works, besides traditional paintings on canvas with acrylic or oil, viewers will experience a fusion of mixed media elements including handmade papers, recycled materials, lighting and a medley of unorthodox objects.  The artists have also provided a statement with each of their works, explaining their interpretation to the Blue-Green theme.  This exhibit is bound to stir conversations of intrigue and inquiry.”

The intention behind the Exhibit is to confront and test the participating artists with their ability to meet this challenge by incorporating semantics and personal views into their works, and to encourage the viewing public to be open to and embrace alternative translations.  This combined diligence is to initiate the process of understanding the artist’s role in a society, and importance of it.

Tea time has never been this sweet! The Salvation Army’s small team of committee members watched what was once a little idea grow into an immensely successful event. The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party was certainly a delightful change of pace for Grand Bahama and brought hope to the Salvation Army after a long economic downturn. Funds raised will be used to donate up to two weeks supply of food to families in Grand Bahama during the Christmas Season.

It was a lovely afternoon at the Grand Bahama Yacht Club where hundreds gathered for two good reasons: to dress up, and to donate. Not bad. Not bad at all. The conference room was tastefully decorated. The daylight seeped into the room and soaked the elegant and silly attire of the attendees at the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. This was not your typical tea party. It was a hot one! One filled with laughs, refreshments and a surprising number of brave men.

Attendees wore silly hats, pretty hats, fascinating hats and more! Truth be told, just marveling all of those hats was entertaining enough but the show went on. M.C Sarah Kirby took the floor and lots of willing participants.

Besheva Eve from La Maison de Besh organized a wonderful two-in-one fashion show. The first Show was a Green one which featured articles of clothing that can be found and purchased at the Salvation Army’s Thrift Store. The second fashion show leg showcased some of the latest pieces designed fashionista Besh and made in the Bahamas by herself.

Following the fashion segment of this event was a surprise guest poet Lateishea Cooper also known as ”Coco Ice.” Coco performed one of her latest pieces entitled “Choices.” The crowd was captivated by this dynamic poem.

Prizes were given out at the end of the event. Everyone in the room was able to leave with a lovely tea cup. What a pleasant surprise. The silent auction was wonderful and the grand prize winner was able to receive a round trip ticket for two on Carnival Cruise line.

Below are a few photos of the first and hopefully not the last “Mad Hatters Tea Party” by the Salvation Army.

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Find more upcoming Events in Grand Bahama

Find more upcoming Events in New Providence

It has been said that practice makes perfect. If this is true and I most certainly  believe that it is, then this spells trouble for those who would exercise this principle for the negative.

Unfortunately, for many of us we’ve practice and mastered the art of accepting whatever life throws at us. Such as disrespect from others, infidelity, mediocrity, gossip, depression, frustration, anger and the like. What is most unfortunate is the fact that these things has happen so frequently to us and without any resistance on our end, that we’ve become immune to how it’s effecting our lives and the lives of others.

Whoever you may be that’s reading this note right now, you know who you are, and you also know that life is not what you want it to be. Your problem is quite simple and that is you unknowingly look forward and anticipate this dislike cycle that you’ve found yourself in. Somehow you have convinced yourself that whatever happens just happens! I must say to you this evening that the enemy has sold you a bill of goods WITH YOUR ASSISTANCE AND FULL CO-OPERATION.

Just how many more Friday evenings will you spend in sadness, loneliness, rejection and the evil thoughts that this is your lot in life? How many more weeks, months and possibly years will you subject yourself to this fixable situation? The truth is life is waiting on you to begin practicing the opposite of what you have become perfect at even though you hate it. Begin by making a conscious effort in breaking that same old boring pattern that you’ve been calling life.

To become perfect at living you must change the way you have been thinking as it relates to life and the way you have been viewing your life. Secondly, you must fight the thoughts that have tormented you, in making you believe everyone is better than you and more worthy of life’s best except you. The bottom line, your mind has imprison you and made you a slave to a life that you dislike.

Just about every other day or week I am learning of someone that I know of that has passed, I am sure that if they had the opportunity to return to earth they would echo the words:” LIVE LIFE, ENJOY EVERY MOMENT, FORGIVE OTHERS, IT IS NEVER AS BAD AS WE THINK IT IS, RESIST WORRY, EXPRESS LOVE EVERY OPPORTUNITY YOU GET”.

Please folk’s fight what has been fighting you, resist what has been resisting you, do something you’ve never done before let your legacy be, you have perfected and mastered the art of living, let your life be a life that will inspire others to not only have hope but want to live.

Heavenly Father, I know you know the hearts of those that have read this note tonight. You are fully aware of their short comings and whatever it may be that they can find as an excuse to not feel worthy of your forgiveness and healing power. I come in total agreement of your word that says you give grace to the humble and a broken and contrite heart you will not despise. I further take authority over every spirit of depression, failure, frustration, insecurity, hopelessness, suicide, and every other spirit associated with them, and command their power over these people’s lives to be broken indefinitely in the matchless name of your son Jesus Christ. I now release the Angels of the Lord to fight every remaining evil spirit that has ruled their lives. Finally Father I command soundness of mind, courage, boldness, might and the power to perfect living in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen!

Written by: Kevin L A Ewing

kevinewing@coralwave.com

kevinlaewing.blogspot.com

Finally, an opportunity to show off your favorite hat or to wear an extra silly one. The Salvation Army’s Mad Hatter’s Tea Party is just where you need to be Saturday, November 12^th 2:00pm-5:00pm at the Grand Bahama Yacht Club.

Mad Hatter’s Tea Party is a fun event for a fantastic cause. The Salvation Army hopes to get enough support to give families at least two weeks supply of food during this Christmas Season.

Founders of the Salvation Army - Captains Mr & Mrs. Compton look forward to this event

This Salvation Army event is bound to be a “hot one!” Lots of prizes and surprises will be given away including Sky Bahamas Round Trip Tickets, cruise certificate, Kindle, and more! There should be enough prizes for everyone to walk away with something!

The dress code for  this wonderful event is classy casual. The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party starts promptly at 2pm and ends at 5pm.

Tickets are only $35 and can be purchased at The Salvation Army Thrift Shop or Seventeen Shops.

Its been an entire year since the Art of Giving first opened their doors to the public. Initially this unique store only specialized in gifts for any occasion, now they also serve Starbucks Coffee. During their first year they kindly encouraged others to embrace giving. “Gift Giving is an art, hence the name”, says Proprietor Janet Albury. The Art of Giving specializes in tastefully arranged gift items, ideal for any recipient. There are a number of gift items at the Art of Giving. Gifts found here are wonderful for Bridal Showers, Baby Showers, Birthdays and more! This store was the first business in the International Bazaar to spread the Holiday cheer; as they decorated the entire store for Christmas from October. The atmosphere was simply delightful as customers were all given a complimentary  Starbucks Mango Passion Creamice throughout the day. Distinguished guests included the President and Vice president of the Bazaar Tenants Association (Marshall Niki Cooper & Darren  Cooper),  Kerrian Stuart – Miss Grand Bahama, Rain Ambrister - Miss Bikini Bahamas,  Peandra Knowles –  Miss Yatch Model Bahamas.

The Art of Giving Celebrated their First Anniversary by informing the public about their participation with the food drive organized by the  Salvation Army in efforts to collect canned goods for Christmas donations in Grand Bahama. To support this positive venture please drop off your canned goods to the Art of Giving, or the Salvation Army.

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A night highly anticipated resulted in a night ending in victory.  On Sunday November 6^th, 2011, the Miss Junior Grand Bahama Organization captured their 2^nd international title in Bridgetown Barbados where 16 year old, Garrett Bowleg, the reigning Miss Junior Grand Bahama International, won the title of Miss Teen Universal. This marks a consecutive victory for the organization, as last
year’s reigning queen Jasmine Forbes was victorious in winning the Miss Teen Universal title as well. The young organization continues to make its mark both
nationally and internationally.

Miss Junior Grand Bahama proudly captures Miss Teen Universal 2011 crown in Barbodos

The Miss Junior Grand
Bahama Organization was formed in January 2009 under the leadership of Colette
Parker and Branee Fyne, who combined their talents and created what is now a
successful tool, used to promoting and providing positive life changing
opportunities for young teenage girls in Grand Bahama. President of Production
Colette Parker says, “The key to our pageant is not to focus on the outer
appearance, but to focus on developing the young ladies communication skills,
intellectual skills, and inner beauty. You can be beautiful on the outside but
you’re just as ugly if you have a horrible personality, illiterate, and a poor
attitude. We remind this to our contestants and to our queens constantly.” This
training that is being taught is proving to be the secret weapon in winning
titles, as recently the Miss Junior Grand Bahama Organization has been
successful in its national and international competitions.

In 2010, Jasmine
Forbes, Miss Junior Grand Bahama International, made history by being the first
Bahamian to win the Miss Teen Universal title and brought home the first
international victory for the Miss Junior Grand Bahama Organization. On August
21^st, 2011 Yamease Swain, Miss Junior Grand Bahama National, claimed
the first national title for the Organization by capturing Theodore Elyett’s
Miss Teen Bahamas 2011.  And now Garrett
Bowleg the reigning Miss Junior Grand Bahama Int’l has claimed the Miss Teen
Universal 2011 title.

Garrett competed  against seven other countries including: Barbados, British Virgin Islands,
Canada, Central Bahamas, Nicaragua, Quebec, and Trinidad and Tobago.  Her vibrant smile and humble personality was  more than enough to win the judges over. Garrett also won the Miss Photogenic,  Best Costume, Best Talent, and Best Evening Gown awards. As now an
international ambassador for the Bahamas, Garrett is excited to begin her work
as the new Miss Teen Universal by working through and with the community. After
winning the title Garret commented saying, “I am so blessed to have been
afforded this title. Thank you to my sponsors and all of those who have
supported me on my journey. God has made this possible. Therefore, I will use
my capabilities to impact the world and my community.”

By: Colette C.V. Parker

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