Tuesday, December 21, 2010

4th Annual Spirit of Deborah Conference


It's That Time Again! 4th Annual Spirit of Deborah Conference! Shoot me an email at naimasbrokenbox@yahoo.com to register!

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Time for the Broken Box Ministries End of the Year Sale!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

It’s that time again – time for the Broken Box Ministries Annual End of The Year Sale!

Check out the products and if you’d like to order, simply go to: www.paypal.com, list in the notes section the product you are requesting and then make your payment to naimasbrokenbox@yahoo.com using the PayPal website. If you’d like to use snail mail – feel free to mail the payment to BBM 48 S. Second Street, Fairborn, OH 45324

Please make all checks and money orders payable to Broken Box Ministries. MP3 and E-Books will be delivered within 12 hours of receipt of payment. Hardcopy items will be mailed out within 24 hours of order and payment receipt.

Music MP3

Everything Album MP3 - $10.00
This Place Album MP3 - $10.00
Everything CD - $14.00
This Place CD - $16.00

Audios

The Dream Development MP3 Series - $25.00
The Dream Development CD Series - $40.00
Includes: How To Achieve Your God Given Dreams, The 12 Steps To Achieve Your God Given Dreams, What’s In Your Pots!?, and How to Achieve Your God Given Dreams in 30 Minutes a Day.

Individual Class MP3 - $7 (Indicate which class you would like):

How To Achieve Your God Given Dreams
The 12 Steps To Achieve Your God Given Dreams
What’s In Your Pots!?
How To Achieve Your God Given Dreams In 30 Minutes A Day


Books

The Dream Development Manual E-Book - $10.00
The Dream Development Manual Hardback - $22.00
Called To Sing, 13 Mistakes To Avoid When Starting In Music Ministry E- Book - $5.00
Dr. Nay’s Random Recovery Life Lessons E-Book - $5.00


Classes

Sing It Girl/Guy Christian Artist Development MP3 Series - $30.00
- Six 90 Minute Audios
- Artist Development Work Book
- 2 Bonus Audios on Marketing and Artist Development
- 2 Live 45 Minute Artist Consultations via SKYPE or Phone


Personal Development

One Hour Dream Development Consultations via SKYPE or Phone - $25.00

Email naimasbrokenbox@yahoo.com for more info!

Sunday, November 28, 2010

The Climb

The Climb….

I have a dirty confession to make; I own the soundtrack from the Hannah Montana Movie. I know it might sound strange, but I stumbled upon the soundtrack by accident because I went to see the movie on purpose. In my last year of singleness, during the time I lived in Nashville, I came to a point where I was simply ok with being single. I was determined to live my life, have the most fun doing it and reach as many people for Christ as I possibly could.

So every Tuesday night I took myself to the movies. I never had to justify what I wanted to see, I never had to debate the movie choice, and I never had to share the popcorn. And although I wouldn’t trade my husband and permanent movie date for anything, I will always treasure those times alone in the movies. It taught me how to be with me and to be ok with being alone so I could be a better wife and share of myself freely.

But back to Miley and Hannah, besides being a cute little movie, the soundtrack to Hannah Montana is brilliantly written. With artists such as Rascal Flatts, Taylor Swift and the writers behind the bubble gum pop songs that Miley Cyrus sings, the song, The Climb is a real gem.

Tonight while organizing my I Tunes library I found the tune hidden as an unidentified track in my messy musical listings. And I listened to it… several times, thinking again what a powerful song.

At this moment in time where I am adjusting to being married, taking time to refocus and redirect my ministry, still battling vocal issues and finding myself back in Ohio helping rebuild a church, I struggle with what I’m suppose to be doing and how I’m suppose to be getting there. Sometimes I feel so frazzled, pulled in a million directions, called to a million projects trying to figure out what God’s will is for my life.

And then I remember this scripture:

16Be joyful always; 17pray continually; 18give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus 1 Thessalonians 5 16-18

So instead of being frazzled I choose to enjoy the journey. Pause as I climb the mountain and take in the view. I choose today to give thanks when it’s more then difficult, joyful when it is challenging and prayerful to the point that I hear God’s voice so clearly that I know which steps to take as I climb upward like doe on mountain paths and high places.

Today I am determined to enjoy the climb and sing while I pull myself upward…

There’s always gonna be another mountain,
I’m always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna me another battle
Sometimes I’m gonna have to lose
Ani’t about how fast I get there
Ani’t about what’s waiting on the other side…
It’s the climb!

Enjoy the climb, it’s a blessing from God!

And don’t forget…

Check out www.reverbnation.com/Naima for tour updates!

Follow me on Twitter – www.twitter.com/NaimaJohnston

Now Booking for 2011 – email naimasbrokenbox@yahoo.com for more info!

Get Your Copy of Called To Sing, 12 Mistakes To Avoid When Starting In Music Ministry – www.createspace.com/3374444

Meet Boucho, The Wee Wee Monster's New Step Brother - LOL

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Moving, Marriage and Ministry!

The Calling – October 2010 Edition


Naima News!

Please forgive me for not sharing a personal blog over the last few months. When 2010 began I had no idea that I would meet the man of my dreams, fall in love and have a wedding with over 100 people in attendance! All within the space of 9 months!

A whirlwind romance for sure, ordained by God of course! It’s such a miraculous story that I’m working on a new book to document the wonder of a man who finds a wife according to the scripture. I was just busy working for the kingdom and bam, there he was with his intentions! As a matter of fact I had gotten to that place where I wanted to get married but was content with the thought that it might not be God's will for me... after all have you ever seen the stats on getting married for African American women over the age of 35!? I had a greater chance of dying in a plane crash or being killed by terrorists according to some researchers! BUT GOD!!!!

Jon and I were married on Sunday, September 5, 2010 at St. Luke AME Church in Nashville, TN after a ton of premarital counseling and a very short engagement! We honeymooned in Orlando and took a cruise to the Bahamas and I must admit that my entire life and ministry were on pause as I took the unexpected road that the Lord laid before me. Marriage is truly a good thing, Jon is a minister and a gospel concert promoter and is utterly in love with me! As I am with him. I must share that he truly is a God given dream come true. We are now working together in ministry to advance the kingdom of the Lord, bring in the harvest and share the love of Christ with the world. We are truly excited about all the Lord is doing in our lives.

On another note we have recently moved to Fairborn, Ohio from Nashville, TN. Midwestern USA is a bit different for Jon, but as many of you know this area is like home to me, since I had lived in Fairborn for many years. We have joined the staff at New Life Outreach Ministries and we’re helping a dear friend of mine, Pastor Lisa Lewis build this ministry from the ground up. It’s always exciting to help someone launch their vision, as you know second only to singing God’s praises that is my greatest passion. I expect to learn lots of life lessons over the next year and look forward to sharing them with you as you also move forward to achieve your God given dreams!

If you’d like, take a look at our wedding video invitation by following the link below (You may have to cut and paste the links to get them to work):

http://www.onetruemedia.com/shared?p=b554a71c7fa2ba54ac1def&skin_id=701&utm_source=otm&utm_medium=text_url


And if you’d like to see the official wedding pictures, follow this link:

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=LouMarPhotography&target=ALBUM&id=5518767825515275153&author=Gv1sRgCOel4sn60dxtgE&invite=CKq7odcO&feat=email


As always, thanking each of you for your prayers and support. If I can be of service don’t hesitate to contact me. Hope to talk with you soon or see you at an upcoming event, until then go out and achieve… your calling!


When The Walls Have Fallen!

So we’re at the end of 2010 and it’s time to examine our achievements, reevaluate our goals and get focused to finish the year strong! If you’re seeking fresh motivation, need a new perspective or found that nothing worked out the way you thought it would you need to attend my next tele-seminar.

This is a class that promises to help you move out of your slump, past the things you did not accomplish and get you moving forward with some concrete goals achieved for 2010. To register for the newest class, When The Walls Have Fallen simply shoot me an email at: naimasbrokenbox@yahoo.com! The class will take place on Tuesday, October 26, 2010 8pm EST and is absolutely FREE!!!!

Make sure you register and if you have any questions feel free to shoot them to me prior to the event so that I can address them on the call!

Upcoming Events

All new Go With What You Got Seminar scheduled for Saturday, October 30, 2010 at 10am! If your in the Columbus, Cincinnati or Dayton areas, join us to learn how to take what God has given you and use it take your ministry, music or business to the next level! This is a free event but registration is encouraged! The Go With What You Got Seminar will take place at New Life Outreach Ministries, 48 South Second Street, Fairborn, Ohio 45324. A love offering will be taken to support the work of the ministry.

I’m leading worship October 3rd, 10th, 24th and 31st at New Life Outreach Ministries. Join us for Sunday service at 10:17am if you’re in the Miami Valley and seeking a church home!

Don’t forget to register for the next Tele-seminar – When The Walls Have Fallen on Tuesday, October 26th at 8pm EST. Email me to register and receive the call in information, you can listen live via the web or on the phone!

That’s it for now! Until next time go out and achieve… your calling!

Monday, August 23, 2010

Called To Sing: The Book!

Are you called to sing? Here's a chapter from my book, Called To Sing, 13 Mistakes To Avoid When Starting In Music Ministry! If you'd like to purchase a copy visit Create Space at www.createspace.com/3374444!


Mistake Number Eight:
Hiring a Person/Business That Produces No Results
By Dr. Naima Johnston


I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My Eye
(Psalms 32 Verse 8)

I recently received a phone call from an individual offering his services to my music ministry based on a recent request I put out in my quarterly newsletter. The person expressed that they had expertise in a particular area in which I had been praying and seeking the Lord about an open door. The interesting aspect of this situation is that this same individual had worked with several other musicians that I knew and they were all unhappy with the lack of results this person had produced. In an effort to be Godly, yet wise, I shared with the individual if they felt that they had a viable proposal they should schedule a time to meet with members of my advisory board and I. Needless to say, I have yet to see said proposal or take a meeting…

In our desire to make great strides in ministry we can fall prey to organizations or individuals who either fail to produce results, lack the connections they espouse, or are just incompetent. And as much as we do not want to admit it, there are some individuals in the Gospel/Christian music arena who do not have your best interest at heart. We hate to think that in a profession where people tout that they are servants of the Most High God that there would be those who seek to only elevate themselves at the expense of others. But we should not be surprised, for even the Bible warns us to watch out for those who come as an “angel of light.”

When I first started in music ministry I was inundated with offers to join websites that would promote my music, organizations dedicated to the advancement of my ministry, contests that would put me in the lime light of major record companies and businesses who wanted to manage me yet required me to do all the foot work while demanding huge retainer fees. Some of these options excited me and I did in deed waste valuable time and money pursuing offers that produced no results, but I bless God for the wisdom that was garnered from such experiences. I am embarrassed to say that I paid a monthly retainer to a Christian artist development company of over $300.00 for over a year because I believed that they would help me move my music ministry to the next level – that is almost $3,000. What a shame that was – and I often think now how much outreach I could have done with that money, how many much needed items I could have purchased – how much music I could have recorded!

Before you run off and sign a contract, create a partnership or link up with a business or individual who promises great results make sure that they can really produce the results that you desire, failure to do so can lead you down a road of lost time and resources, all to the detriment of those you are ordained to reach and to your personal ministry and life.



Thoughts to Ponder:

If you are thinking about signing a contract that will charge you fees before you see results find out the following information:

 Are they a legitimate business? Are they registered with the state? Anyone can hang a shingle out and set up shop, make sure that they are recognized by the appropriate organizations in your area.

 Have you checked with the Better Business Bureau? Are there complaints lodged against them? How long have they been in business? The local BBB will have a record of any complaints lodged against this organization if individuals have filed them. Most people walk away from a bad situation in disgust, but once in a while a diligent person will fill out the proper paperwork, thus saving you a great deal of grief.

 Have you checked their doctrinal beliefs, and do they line up with your own? What church do they attend and who holds them accountable for the spiritual concerns of their business/ministry? Do they have the blessing of their Pastor? Although these may seem like personal questions, in a business that is also a ministry we cannot be ignorant of those who we are charging to help us grow and share the gift God has given us and the call on our lives. As the Bible teaches us, we should know those who labor amongst us – how can you link up with one who is unclear about their spiritual stance in relation to your own business/ministry?

 Ask for recommendations and referrals. If you shake a tree hard enough something will eventually fall, so you should expect to find one or two disgruntled folks from the past. Unless their horror stories kick your discernment into high gear take them for what they are worth. What you are looking for is a pattern or a red flag. Most people when asked will produce the names of satisfied clients for you to follow up with so make sure you ask probing questions that will get you the answers you want. Questions such as: “Can you tell me about a time when they did not meet your expectations, how was that handled and how did you feel about the situation?” or, “If I was your child would you recommend this organization to me?”

 If it is a contest, ask them who won last year and what are they currently doing in the music business? Find out if you can contact them and discuss with them how the contest has benefited or advanced their music ministry.





Finally before you take the deep plunge and link up with someone who promises big returns make sure you:

 Fully understand the contract you are signing and be aware of your options to terminate.
 Make sure that you clearly express your expectations, put them down in written form and share them with your employee.
 Remember that these people do in fact work for you, they may have expertise that you need and may in fact know better than you in many situations in which you have hired them to handle however, they should in fact be giving you a report of their accomplishments and work done on your behalf.
 Make sure that they fully explain and give to you in writing any expectations that they might have of you.
 Be sure to define how you will communicate, how often and by what method – always set a time to evaluate progress and share concerns. Always be honest, failure to do so may result in being caught in a situation that you have a difficult time getting out of.
 Make sure they understand your vision and are dedicated to helping you achieve it. Share your goals with them and jointly create goals and ways to measure the achievement of those goals so that you know you are on the right track.

And finally and most importantly, the Word says if any man lack wisdom let him ask and God will give it. Go before the Lord in prayer and make sure this is His will for your life. If you ask and expect an answer you will receive one, just be prepared to be obedient to what the Lord would have you to do.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Are You Ready To Sing It Girl?

I just took a spiritual gifts assessment that ranked my God given gifts in the order of strength. My number one gift? The gift of music! Not surprising at all. One of the most frustrating things about this time of illness is that I’ve not been able to sing the way I want. Not being able to freely lift my voice in praise and worship has been a sobering experience, I’ve discovered it’s the number one way I communicate with the Lord. Singing to Him, singing about Him, writing songs that honor Him, that’s how I share my heart with Him and tell the world of His love. I’ve had to learn to communicate in an entirely different way with the Lord over the last few months.

I’ve meet so many people who share with me that they are called to sing for the Lord and just don’t what to do or how to get started. 2010 is the year that the Lord has placed a burden on my heart to help others achieve their God dream, especially those called to the creative and sacred arts. My other top spiritual gifts? Edifying, Encouraging, Wisdom and Teaching, I need to use these gifts as well to further the Kingdom and I believe right now the Lord is strengthening those gifts in me, moving me out of my comfort zone so the I can grow and develop and still serve His people.

I read yesterday that 80% of the church is inactive! Inactive! That means they go to church, love the Lord, but are not doing anything else to further the Kingdom of God or to bring the love of Christ to a dying world. You know, God gives us a dream, not for ourselves, but actually He gives us a dream so that we can be a blessing to others.

Let me be a blessing to you and help you achieve your calling. If you’ve been called to sing and you’re a female artist ready to take your music ministry to the next level, or you’re simply ready to launch your music ministry, I’d love for you to join the Sing It Girl Female Christian Artist Master Mind Group! It’s not to late to register and you’d be joining a group of women dedicated to serving the Lord through song.

Shoot me an email at naimasbrokenbox@yahoo.com and I’ll be happy to get the information to you. I’ve also attached a short video you can watch that explains the program in more detail. Don’t worry about the launch date of Jan. 11th – there is still time to register and you won’t miss a thing! This is a six month class, there was so information that I couldn’t get it all in one class! We’ll be talking about booking, marketing, branding, and the anointing! You’ll get a training manual, access to live and recorded calls and personal one on one time with me to discuss your ministry personally!

I hope you’ll prayerfully consider the Sing It Girl Master Mind Group and join us as we make a melody to the Lord while advancing the Kingdom of Christ!

I will sing to the Lord all my life, I will sing praise to my God as long as I live…
Psalm 104 Verse 33

Sunday, January 3, 2010

Random Life Lessons Learned in 2009

Thinking back over the last year has caused me to think about the faithfulness of the Lord. With my health struggles, a major move even further away from my family, a loss of a relationship that was important to me, my father’s retirement and a number of financial struggles I’ve had only one option, to TRUST IN THE LORD.

I believe 2010 is a year to take up our beds and walk, to see our God given dreams come to pass, to see the name of the Lord exalted and the Kingdom of God advanced! I learned so much in 2010 that I wanted to share with you a few of my favorite Random Life Lessons learned that have prepared me to rebuke the devil and walk in power in 2010!

Dr. Nay’s Random Life Lessons for 2010

1. We are often powerless, but we are never helpless, Christ is always on our side.

2. If we continue to struggle in an area, then the shortcoming is within us, not with the Lord. The Word says in 1 John 3 Verse 6, “So if we continue to live in Him, we won’t sin either. But those who keep sinning have never known Him or understood who He is.” Therefore our own shortcomings come from a lack of proper perspective of who Christ is and our inability to access Him and His power!

3. “You can trust a man who has encountered God and been broken.”
Pastor Scott McCloud

4. You never have to strive to be accepted, You’re accepted just as we are.

5. Being healed is a miracle, going through the healing process leads to maturity.

6. God is so good, not only does He provide the seed to sow, He gives us a harvest to reap from the seed He originally gave us!

7. Don’t let us give because we’ll get. It’s better to give because we’ve already received.

8. Everybody wants to be an overcomer, but no one wants to overcome anything. Joyce Meyer

9. Just because it hurts your flesh does not mean it has to rule your spirit.

10. The closer you get to God, the further away some people will move from you.

11. Don’t focus on the process, focus on the purpose.
Bishop T.D. Jakes

12. How can any decision be the right decision if God has not supplied the answer?

13. It may not be God sent, but it will always be God used.

14. Since the devil is alive and well, we should never take any attack personally. It’s just the devil doing his job. Stop looking at the person being used in the attack and do your job – build the kingdom.

15. In times of sorrow, pain, doubt and despair… REMEMBER! Remember His faithfulness and rehearse all He has done for you.


2010 is the year to take the lessons you’ve learned and moved forward to achieve the dreams the Lord has placed in your heart! I’d love to share with you all the lessons the Lord has taught me that have assisted me in being able to pursue my God Given Dreams. Join me for my free class that meets monthly: The Dream Development Group! For more information shoot me an email at naimasbrokenbox@yahoo.com

Happy New Years and many blessings!