The Dare Dreamer Movement by Julene Fleurmond

Some time ago a friend introduced me to the song “One Step At A Time” by Jordin Sparks from her previous self-titled album. The song and video remind you that reaching your goal might take some time but not to be discouraged by disappointments. Other doors will open and you’ll reach where you’re meant to go in time if you get up and keep going.

“One step at a time, There’s no need to rush, It’s like learning to fly…”

Hurry up and wait
So close, but so far away
Everything that you’ve always dreamed of
Close enough for you to taste
But you just can’t touch

You wanna show the world, but no one knows your name yet
Wonder when and where and how you’re gonna make it
You know you can if you get the chance
In your face as the door keeps slamming
Now you’re feeling more and more frustrated
And you’re getting all kind of impatient waiting

[Chorus:]
We live and we learn to take
One step at a time
There’s no need to rush
It’s like learning to fly
Or falling in love
It’s gonna happen when it’s
Supposed to happen and we
Find the reasons why
One step at a time

You believe and you doubt
You’re confused, you got it all figured out
Everything that you always wished for
Could be yours, should be yours, would be yours
If they only knew
Continue Reading »

Meet eight-year-old Ruby Marigold Booker, the main character in the Scholastic book series “Ruby & the Booker Boys” by author Derrick Barnes and illustrated by Vanessa Brantley Newton. Ruby is creative, fun, sassy, smart, and shows her style and individuality by sporting mismatched shoes and coming up with new adventures to undertake.

The series follows Ruby’s fun experiences and lessons as she navigates her eight-year-old world. Her character is relatable for all little readers especially African American girls who can see themselves in a character that looks like them and can be inspired by a positive example of a black family reminiscent of “The Cosby Show.”

Watch the video below of Barnes talking about why he started the series:

I love the essence of the Ruby books and it would be great to see more books from the series. If you have a little reader in your life or know of someone who does, consider supporting the series by purchasing the books, especially book 3 and 4. If they’re not in your bookstore you can have them ordered or order online. The books are pretty affordable and they are worth bringing joy to children who may not have seen a role model like Ruby.

If you are or happen to know any educators (teachers, librarians, principals, etc.) you can visit the author’s website to find out how to schedule a classroom visit.

Click here to be a fan of Ruby & The Booker Boys on FaceBook.

The new reality show Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution that airs on ABC Fridays at 8pm ET has quickly become one of my favorites. The show, produced by Ryan Seacrest, follows Jamie Oliver, chef and TV personality, as he is sparking a battle against childhood obesity and the unhealthy food in schools around the country. He entered a school in what the CDC says is “the most obese city in the U.S.” trying to change the way school meals are made and also is working with a local family to change their eating habits.

Currently I’m pursuing my master’s degree in public health and we’re discussing nutrition and health education so the topic is right up my alley and something I’m passionate about. I like how celebrities like Seacrest and Oliver are behind the show which makes it more appealing to the wider public than if it were just a news report or documentary, and I definitely reccommend the show for anyone to watch.

Check out a clip from the show below:

Continue Reading »

Almost three months after the earthquake in Haiti the men women and children are still in great danger and need of help. The many who survived the devastation are still without homes and in harsh conditions with pouring rains and the upcoming hurricane season.

A Home in Haiti is an organization that is raising funds to buy waterproof tents to distribute on the ground in Haiti. Read about some of the efforts on the founder Shaun King’s blog and visit http://ahomeinhaiti.org help provide shelter and hope for the people by donating funds or sending tents today. You can watch the video below to learn more about this great project.

On Dream in Soul I interviewed Marvin Sapp, pastor and Gospel artist whose latest album “Here I Am” has made a historical mark at No.2 on the Billboard 200 charts. Read and click below for the interview.

Marvin Sapp’s latest album “Here I Am” has reached No.2 on the Billboard 200 chart, making it the highest debuting Gospel release ever.*

“Here I Am”

Within the resounding success of his latest album “Here I Am,” and the breakthrough his previous project “Thirsty,” Marvin Sapp is still down-to-earth, thankful and even surprised at how his music has been embraced. Among the accomplishments he stays continually grounded in the purpose of his mission to reach the masses. As the senior pastor of Lighthouse Full Life Center Church in Michigan he stands firm in his creed “I am a preacher who happens to sing,” and presents both his messages and music with powerful, life-changing Word and truth.

“Here I Am” his eighth album, recorded live last October, is filled with heartfelt encouragement and a mix of musical arrangements from more traditional gospel to the more contemporary. The project and messages within are sure to be enjoyed by a range of people, clearly shown by the album’s surge to the No.1 position on Billboard’s Gospel and Christian charts and No.2 on the Billboard 200.

Marvin Sapp chatted with Dream in Soul about the vision behind the album, and also shared some Soul Dreamer Inspiration about ministry, industry, talent and calling. Read and listen in to the conversation below:

Dream in Soul: Hi Pastor Sapp, thank you for taking the time to speak to me today. Can you talk about where you are now since your last project “Thirsty” and what inspired you to create this new project “Here I Am”?

Marvin Sapp: Well this record “Here I Am” is just a tad bit different than “Thirsty.” “Thirsty” is a little more worshipful than this record. There’s worship on it, but this one is not only worship but is also a record that really strives to encourage and enrich, and to talk about personal identity, as pertaining to personal identity in Christ.

So many times we feel as if we are inadequate and that we don’t possess any abilities and skills to be able to accomplish the goals that God has set for us to accomplish and go after. “Here I Am” just speaks to that whole concept of people really understanding that man looks at the outward appearance but it’s God who looks at the heart, and how we don’t need people to define us.

DS: Definitely, the song “Never Would Have Made It,” touched a lot of lives and had great success. Did you come into this new project with any type of expectations, fears or hopes?

DS: Definitely, I know the song “The Best in Me” was very also popular when it came out. Were you surprised at how successful it is right now?