JUJU SANDS

ONE AMAZING GIRL

2012-02-14T12:45:00.000-08:00

Once there was a girl.... and she was unique and talented and interesting and amazing and unforgettable....and real. And she knew, deep down, that if she tried something and things didn't go as she had hoped or wanted or dreamed or planned, she could just try something different or try the exact same thing again but approach it in a new or different way.

Then one day, her greatest hopes and dreams actually became true........

And her life was full of all these amazing and unforgettable moments and events and circumstances: incredible wins, of course, but also equally incredible-and worth it- losses. Because no matter what happened, she learned from everything around her and everything she went through.

Yes, she fell sometimes (like everybody else does), but she got up and moved forward by always being true to herself....

And maybe one day she will even make a path for others to follow...until they can make their own paths, too.

You see, it is not that she was never frightened or sad or even knew when she woke up each day what to do (no one does). It was simply that she believed in herself and always shined on like a star...

And you too can be One Amazing Girl - if you just believe in yourself~

Juju

(Adapted from Blue Mountain Arts)

2012-01-31T08:39:00.000-08:00

Dear January, I bid you a farewell. Take with you the negativity, the hurt feelings, the complex, the dark shadows, the bad memories, the ugly thoughts, the constant state of feeling unable to shake it, for if I stick with you, I will surely fail at everything I do this year and I refuse to go there again for I've been there before. So, I bid you a farewell, bon voyage, arrivederci, adieu, adios, bye-bye, cheerio, ciao and so long.

Hello February! Let's be friends, yes? Hello to Me again and all my accomplishments, love, good times, new opportunities, positive outlook and most of all, faith in myself, my ways, my decisions and my GOD!

IT'S A NEW YEAR WITH NEW BEGINNINGS!!!

2012-01-11T08:42:00.000-08:00

SHORT AND SIMPLE: HERE ARE 8 THINGS YOU CAN DO TO GET YOUR YEAR STARTED ON THE RIGHT PATH.

1) Make a short-term list of 4 things you would like to accomplish by June. They should be small and attainable. Do not set yourself up to fail.

2) Make a long-term list of 4 things you would like to accomplish by December. They should be believable to you. If you can't see it in your mind, it won't happen. As you work on your short-term goals, these long term goals should be ongoing in the background of your day.

3) Decide that every morning, before your feet hit the floor, that you are going to give God thanks for waking you up, for the good in the day to come and for anything that comes to mind. The goal is to start your day by being grateful. Get your mindset on a positive path and don't let anything interrupt that system.

4) Decide to take a break from certain foods. What are you over-indulging on? Chips, soda or dessert foods? Could it be breads, sugar, coffee or alcohol? You decide but give up what you know is bad for your health.

5) Decide that you will walk for 20 minutes a day 4 times a week. If you can't get outside, put on some music and dance for 20 minutes in your house. If you have a treadmill, then get on it!

6) Decide to forgive yourself for not being perfect. Realize that no matter what others expect of you, you will never live up to their expectations so forgive yourself and move on. Strive to be your best!

7) Decide to forgive others this year. Forgive those who have hurt you. We are all God's children and if He can love us, as messed-up as we are or can be, then we in turn also must forgive and love. I know this is a hard one but if you can clear your heart, you will free yourself of those thoughts that kill a part of you everyday. I'm not saying you have to surround yourself with the people who have hurt you, but simply, let the pain associated with them go........

8) Finally, enjoy life! Laugh more, smile more, give more, hug more, be more and in all you do, seek God first and all his righteousness, and ALLLLL these things shall be added unto you!

Mathew 6:33

With Love~

JUJU

2011-12-21T21:16:00.000-08:00

December 21, 2011 by Wesley Perkins (click to see a picture)

I have PTSD

I was a Marine and I was a soldier

I served my country with honor, both in peacetime as well as in war

I’ve been called “hero” but I simply followed orders

I did so voluntarily, for tradition and to serve our great nation

The “heroes” are my fallen brothers and sisters who will never return home

Not a day goes by that I don’t see their faces and hear their voices

Not a night goes by without the same

I scream the same question, over and over every day, yet no one can hear

Why did I get to come back? I’m nobody special

I see the pain in the faces of families of the fallen

They are sons, daughters, wives and husbands

They will never again get to see their loved ones, as I get to do every day

What makes me so special?

I want so bad to take their pain away, but there is nothing i can do

I can’t help but constantly remember….that could’ve been me

I used to love to sleep at night

But now i know that’s when the demons come

My wife, she loves me, yet cannot sleep with me at night

I wake startled in the middle of the night…….it’s so dark and quiet and no one to say…”It’s all right”

I have to take a pill every night and hope….will I sleep well tonight?

I already know the answer…it’s going to be a fight.

I try to talk about it, but the words are hard to come by

I push the ones who love me away and think I’m protecting them

All the while screaming for their loving embrace

This thing I have, it strains my marriage

it threatens to take what little I have

I want to scream “Please help me!”

But i don’t know how to do that

I have been laughed at for having this, even by those I thought I could trust

When people ask and I tell them I’m a disabled veteran, I see their eyes gaze up and down

I wonder what they are thinking, so then I explain it yet again

Not all wounds are visible; this one is hardest to treat

I see my counselors and talk to other vets, those who will understand

I know i will have this for the rest of my life

And so i cope with it, morning, noon and night

I hope everyone reads this, and maybe someone it will help

Because it takes a lot of courage to stand up and say……

“I have PTSD….can someone please help?”

Wesley Perkins is an Operation Iraq Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom Veteran. In his free time, he speaks to students and others about PTSD and its effects on Veterans and their families.

WHAT CHANGES ARE YOU FACING? NO REGRETS, PLEASE!

2011-11-30T21:56:00.000-08:00

December is here. Where did the year go? Are you satisfied with what you’ve accomplished in 2011? Did you fail at certain things? Did you procrastinate and are now realizing that the year is nearly over? Don’t you hate when that happens? There are things I wanted to do this year too, but I never got around to them. I feel a little unsettled about that. Looking back I wonder if I could have done more, but I can’t look back now. The time is already gone and time is something I cannot get back. I have learned that regret only keeps you from moving forward. And moving forward is what I’m about. As we approach the Christmas Holiday Season, enjoy it! If you are feeling a little bummed about your life, or perhaps there are changes going on in your life that you are not in control of (like mine), why not get your thoughts off of you? This time of the year is so special. It's a time to show kindness and a time to be grateful for your life, no matter what is going on. Why not find a local food bank where you can help serve a meal, clean out your closet and donate some clothing to a charity, make someone in need a dinner, or start calling friends or family and check in on them; see how they are doing. Trust me, when you get your mind off of you, you have no choice but to move forward. A positive attitude coupled with faith will equal a successful outcome.

Cheers,

JUJU

CONTINUE ON

2011-10-10T12:24:00.000-07:00

A woman once fretted over the usefulness of her life. She feared she was wasting her potential being a devoted wife and mother. She wondered if the time and energy she invested in her husband and children would make a difference. At times she got discourage because so much of what she did seemed to go unnoticed and unappreciated. “Is there something better that I could be doing with my time?”

It was during one of these moments of questioning that she heard the still small voice of her heavenly Father speak to her heart, “You are a wife and a mother, because that is what I have called you to be. Much of what you do is hidden from the public eye. But I notice. Most of what you give is done without any rewards. But I am your reward. Your husband cannot be the man I have called him to be without your support. Your influence upon him is greater than you think and more powerful than you will ever know. I bless him through your service and honor him through your love. Your children are precious to me; even more precious than they are to you. I have entrusted them to your care; to raise for me. What you invest in them is an offering to me. You may never be in the public spotlight, but, your obedience shines as a bright light before me. Continue on. Remember you are my servant. Do all to please me.”

By Roy Lessin

Keep your Irons in the Fire!

2011-08-31T18:11:00.000-07:00

It’s been a couple of months since I have blogged. I can’t believe how busy life can get. I seem to feel as if it will never slow down and I’m just fine with that. I love life! I love waking up every day and being excited for the good that is to come, for the good people and good opportunities that will come my way.

Well, I’m finally back on an exercise regimen. I have been walking 6 miles a day and I feel great! Two of those miles are up a big hill. By the time I reach the top I can barely breathe. The payoff is walking back down and enjoying the fabulous view of the valley. I can see all the trees, homes, buildings and if I go out really early, I get to see the lights go off as the sun rises. It truly starts my day off on the bright side. It makes me so grateful for my life. I know there is so much going on in the world today but I really believe that people can change their lives if they would only see the good in it. God is so beautiful when you allow HIM to walk you through life. It is when we decide to leave HIS plan when we mess it all up.

I remember when I was in high school and my friends were drinking and staying out all night and how I slowly began to follow. I left the plan that I knew would bring me success. As time went by I began dating the wrong guy. He began using drugs and boy did he change! He became physically abusive and I was so afraid of him! I was too young for that life and I didn’t know how to get out of it. It left its scars on my life but I was determined to get back on track. I failed to see the good that was in my life at the time. I lost sight of my goals and dreams. I should have stayed the course and….well, no need to look back now.

Although I’ll never forget what happened to me, I can now use my experience to reach out to teen girls and speak to them about choosing to stay in HIS plan. I can teach them how to keep their “Irons in the Fire.”

Many of you have read my book and know that that story is just one in my life. I am so thankful for God’s forgiveness. He restored me, my life, my heart and blessed me with a wonderful husband, two fabulous kids and two dogs.

For that I sing this song by Teena Marie as I walk my six miles. (I changed some words to fit me. I wonder how loud I’m singing. Oh well, the neighborhood will know me as that weird lady that sings as she walks….)

People say I've got my hands in too many things
Keeping time with paupers just as well as kings
I toss my head up to the silver sky
And then I say, look at all the blessings in my life

Here I am trying to make a change
Born into this world, going against all odds

I close my eyes and still somehow I feel
You're here with me, and you are such a blessing in my life

Here I am, I'm just a fragment of my God
Heavenly father, hear me
Sometimes life gets so hard
With you as my desire
Spirit's gonna build me higher
I've got to keep my irons in the fire

Irons in the Fire by Teena Marie

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtRENjqkdQ4

I wish every day was a happy day

2011-07-06T17:23:00.001-07:00

I'm back! I went to New York and had a blast! I was interviewed (3 seconds) by Sam Champion from Good Morning America, and I met Ann Curry and was able to give her my book in person! I ate way too much pizza and walked so much that my feet still have not recouped! It was a great trip and I can't wait to go back. Then I got home. All the worries, responsibilities, whirlwind of activities, chores, appointments, the kids, the husband and so on. I finally crashed today. These last two weeks it seemed as if the world was against me.

Today I woke up knowing that I had to blog because I have been away too long. But how was I going to write when everything was wrong. I didn't feel happy and my hope in the future seemed bleak. I couldn't snap out of it and I really had to "dig deep" to find that speck of positivity that I have learned to love and live with. Now, I really do get it when people say, "dig deep!" Sometimes things happen, or someone does something to you that is out of your control, and they/it makes you react in a certain way. Or do they/it? I always say that we are responsible for our actions. I always say to respond not react. Boy, was I being tested! My only alternative was to turn to the good word. (shorten verses-you can look them up)

Mathew 6:33 Seek first the kingdom of God and all His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.

Deuteronomy 7:12-15 Because you listen to these rules and keep them, God will love you, bless you and multiply you..

Mark 5:34 Daughter, your faith has made you well, go in peace - your suffering is over.

Dig deep! So this is what I wrote to myself:

God created me to be happy, healthy and victorious in everything! I was meant to have an amazing life. Everyday! What goes wrong then? I feel I leave His plan. I leave His word and I go off on my own.

You see, I believe we were not meant to struggle. Of course we do at times but it is not natural. When we are struggling with something, we feel as if we are swimming against the river. That is not normal. If life was supposed to be so bad, then what was the purpose of life? So let's get real - we all have struggled or suffered in some way. And I say, "so what!" What are you going to do about it? Every morning we have a choice to start the day with good thoughts or bad thoughts. There are only two. These past two weeks I have failed to fill myself with goodness. Trust me, I fought the negativity but it was rough. I had more bad thoughts than good and it got the best of me. This afternoon, I was finally able to break through and change my thinking. I put on some good music, prayed, gave thanks over and over for my life and every single blessing from my car to the sandwich I ate. We have the power to change our situation if we would only learn to tap into the spirit of God, his goodness, his great way of thinking, his beauty and his love.

So to these last two weeks of poop, I say, "bon voyage, hasta la vista baby!" I'm back and I am thankful for everything I have. And, I'm thankful for my fingers that allow me to type this for you......

JUJU

2011-07-04T09:30:00.001-07:00

On this 4th of July, I wish you all health, happiness and good eating! We are blessed to live in America- Land of the free. To all our Military member, I salute you for your service.

Juju

2011-06-05T16:46:00.000-07:00

I'm off to New York City. Look for me Tuesay morning on Good Morning America audience.

Please follow me on:

Twitter @JUJUSANDS
Facebook.com/jujusands

I will blog all about my trip upon my return. Until then, keep dreaming and living each day in joy!!

Juju

You are Beautiful

2011-04-14T14:26:00.000-07:00

Every Tuesday nights is High School and Junior High night at my church where I lead a group of high school girls. This week one of the other leaders was not going to be there and asked if I could lead her group of girls too. As the worship band played I began to feel a little nervous. “What would these new girls think of me? Not ever having met me, would they be receptive to my advice, my way of teaching, my boldness and tendency to tell-it-like-it-is?” I began to pray and ask God to give me words to speak to these girls. The music stopped and the Pastor began his sermon titled “The Ugly Truth” He spoke about our concept of God, our fears and the fact that we can never be separated from God. Once again I asked God what I should tell these girls. And I heard the word, “Beautiful.” What? Was that my crazy head talking to itself again? LOL! It was time. The sermon ended and I went to my section as usual. They came in packs, pulled their chairs close to me and we made a huge circle. We reviewed our notes and began to speak about the sermon. But something was missing. I didn’t feel as if I was on target. I didn’t feel my usual flow of words. I wasn’t captivating. So, I decided to ask this question, “Who here feels as if they have done so many bad things that God wants nothing to do with them? “ There was silence as they all stared at me. One by one those beautiful little arms went up into the air. I could have cried! 90% of those girls felt so guilty of their sin that they were blocking their relationship with God from growing. I told them that I prayed for what to say to them tonight and that God told me to tell them that they are BEAUTIFUL in His eyes. You see, nothing we do can ever separate us from His love. Romans 8:38-39 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

For those of you who have teenagers or if you are a teen, you need to know that God is always going to be there for you. You are BEAUTIFUL in His eyes and no matter what you do, that will never change. We are the ones who walk away from Him. When everyone around you sees the worst in you, He sees the best in you. When I was lost and had no direction, He never gave up on me. He changed my life, He rescued me from myself and He gave me the life I have now. His love brought me through hell and because of that I am here today typing this for you to read.

If you are going through something in your life that is killing you inside or if you are keeping a secret that is destroying you, tell someone! Don’t suffer in silence. You don’t say anything because you are afraid of what will happen but are you going to live your life in a mess forever? You can deal with the consequences of telling. You will survive. It’s better to live free and be one with God! Then, as you learn – teach.

Juju

OUR KIDS ARE UNDER ATTACK

2011-02-16T17:27:00.000-08:00

My goodness! January went by so fast and now I find myself well into February and just getting to my blog. Where do the days go? LOL!

February seems to be a volatile month here in the US and around the world. Lets begin with Egypt. WOW! The power of the people! My heart goes out to those mothers whose children were out there protesting and getting hurt. Seems that our children, this generation is more outspoken than my generation ever was. Brings back memories of our history books about the 60's. I wonder what's to come? As for the United States, while there is a lot going on in the political arena, I can't help but notice more-so what is happening to our people; our children.

The headlines about that homeless guy Ted Williams was intriguing huh? What an amazing streak of luck! That is, until I saw the interview with Ted and his children on Dr. Phil. His kids, his girls cried about how much they needed him as they were growing up. They needed a dad but he never showed up. Men don't realize how much a little girl needs her daddy. The dad is the male role model in that little girls life. Unfortunately (and perhaps fortunately) girls grow up to choose the same type of father they had - as a husband. It's like we are drawn to what we know. I may be wrong and I am sure you will let me know, but that is what I have witnessed in my years. Then we have Miley and Charlie! Oy Vey! Billy Ray goes on the air yesterday and says that The Hannah Montana Show ruined his family. Um, okay, he is the dad, the leader of the home, shouldn't he have known this already? I mean, he is in the music industry. He is, after all, the iconic "Achy Breaky Heart" singer. Come on - he know what the industry has the capability of doing to children. I pray Miley will turn to what she knows to be true and that is that the Lord is always there; waiting with open arms.
Now as for Charlie, ay Dios mio! Such a handsome fella but so dang messed up in the noggin! I don't even want to waste my fingers typing about him. Lord have mercy is all I can say. But the best headline came out today on Good Morning America. The teacher who blogged about her unruly kids. Now she is on paid leave!! Here is some of the story:

FEASTERVILLE, Pa. – A high school English teacher in suburban Philadelphia who was suspended for a profanity-laced blog in which she called her young charges "disengaged, lazy whiners" is driving a debate by daring to ask: Why are today's students unmotivated — and what's wrong with calling them out? "My students are out of control," Munroe, who has taught 10th, 11th and 12th grades, wrote in one post. "They are rude, disengaged, lazy whiners. They curse, discuss drugs, talk back, argue for grades, complain about everything, fancy themselves entitled to whatever they desire, and are just generally annoying."

Why is this lady getting so much heat for the speaking the truth? I am in the high schools everyday and it is true. Our kids now days are so ill-mannered. There is a lack of respect for adults and/or authority. If a teacher is blogging about it then there must be some sort of truth to what she is saying. Just check out Dr. Phil one week. He does so many shows about wayward kids. Here is my truth. I believe that our kids are under attack. I believe that the American family is under attack. I believe that marriage is under attack. You see, if evil can destroy our marriages, our families, our homes, then evil can get access to our kids. Access to our kids = destruction of our future world, destruction of morals and standards which God has instilled for us to try to live by. When I say to you parents to "show up for your kids, " I really mean it literally. Know who their friends are, talk to them about sex and drugs, take them to volunteer in a homeless shelter or a shelter for battered women, teach them how to respect themselves and others, don't use foul language in their presence (or at all for that matter), be interested in their homework, be involved in their day, have Sunday dinners as a family at a dinner table, set the dinner table, cut the texting to a minimum and none after 8pm, make them earn the money you give them, check their grades, check their rooms and most of all, keep them in a bible teaching church that has an active youth group. Even if you don't go to church, drop them off at one (of course after you inspect it.) Listen, we only get one shot at raising our kids. If you mess that one shot up, you will spend the rest of your life suffering the consequences of your actions. A parent is suppose to build up the child and then hand it back to itself.

Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6

I hope you enjoyed a little of my babble. Remember, I am not a writer - I'm a blogger who is always in a hurry. Feel free to post a comment.

Have a great week!

Juju~

Happy New Year! Now what?

2011-01-03T08:24:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Did you make any resolutions? I did. But this year, I didn't set high goals. I set goals that I know are attainable. Instead of wanting to drop 20 lbs., I am aiming for 10. This way, anything over 10 will make me feel like a superstar!

Every year I take time to reflect on what I accomplished the prior year. Along with reflecting on my accomplishments, I take time to ask myself if I was good to my loved ones. Was I the best mom I could have been? Was I the best wife I could have possibly been? Was I a good sister, daughter or friend? I truly believe that "Love" is the most powerful force on earth. When setting your goals, know that if you have un-forgiveness, hate, unsettled issues or anything that is not about full "Love" you will fail. You see, love is the force that allows us to feel good inside. And if you feel good inside, you are able to tackle and conquer any situation, any goal or any dream you have. When you harbor negative feelings inside, you only poison yourself. The other person that you have ill feelings for has moved on with their lives. They are not worried about how you are still feeling. They really don't care. So then, why are you living in that? Move on..... It's a new year! It's your year! Live in it. Show up for it. "LOVE" it!

Juju

Holiday Cheer in the form of an email

2010-12-19T07:35:00.000-08:00

This story was emailed to me from a good friend. I thought I'd share it with you. Enjoy~

Each December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience. I had cut back on nonessential obligations - extensive card writing, endless baking, decorating, and even overspending. Yet still, I found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the precious family moments, and of course, the true meaning of Christmas.

My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting season for a six-year-old. For weeks, he'd been memorizing songs for his school's "Winter Pageant." I didn't have the heart to tell him I'd be working the night of the production. Unwilling to miss his shining moment, I spoke with his teacher. She assured me there would be a dress rehearsal the morning of the presentation. All parents unable to attend that evening were welcome to come then. Fortunately, Nicholas seemed happy with the compromise.

So, the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in ten minutes early, found a spot on the cafeteria floor and sat down. Around the room, I saw several other parents quietly scampering to their seats. As I waited, the students were led into the room. Each class, accompanied by their teacher, sat cross-legged on the floor. Then, each group, one by one, rose to perform their song.

Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the holiday as "Christmas" I didn't expect anything other than fun, commercial entertainment - songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes and good cheer. So, when my son's class rose to sing, "Christmas Love" I was slightly taken aback by its bold title. Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, adorned in fuzzy mittens, red sweaters, and bright snowcaps upon their heads. Those in the front row - center stage - held up large letters, one by one, to spell out the title of the song. As the class would sing "C is for Christmas" a child would hold up the letter C. Then, "H is for Happy" and on and on, until each child holding up his portion had presented the complete message, "Christmas Love."

The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed her; a small, quiet, girl in the front row holding the letter "M" upside down - totally unaware her letter "M" appeared as a "W." The audience of 1st through 6th graders snickered at this little one's mistake. But she had no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood tall, proudly holding her "W." Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter continued until the last letter was raised, and we all saw it together. A hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen. In that instant, we understood the reason we were there, why we celebrated the holiday in the first place, why even in the chaos, there was a purpose for our festivities. For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear:

" C H R I S T W A S L O V E "

Stop and think before you react

2010-12-10T10:55:00.000-08:00

STOP- before you yell at your kids, get mad at your husband, stress out about all the things you need to do, remember this: Elizabeth Edwards died 3 days ago. What do you think she would give to live one more week, to hug her kids one more time, to make one more dinner, to be stressed out? Think about your actions and adjust them to actions that give and show love to those around you~

Don't get caught up in the hussle of the season

2010-12-06T08:51:00.000-08:00

I'm trying not to but I've had my tree since Nov 30th and it's still not decorated!

These last two weeks have been extremely busy for me. Probably the busiest I've had all year. What is it? Why do I feel so overwhelmed? I know. Because I want to make everything perfect for my family. I want my house to be nicely decorated. I want the Christmas tree to look fabulous. I basically want my house to smell, feel and look like Christmas and I am not cutting it. LOL! Do you feel what I am saying? The only thing I can do to relieve the anxiety is to let go.....

So here I am on a Monday morning. The kids are off to school and I have decided to take a moment, get a cup of wonderful Starbucks Christmas blend coffee and type. You see I am fully aware that Christmas is a season for giving. When Jesus died on the cross, He "gave" his life for us. He essentially is a gift. So...during this season I feel I too must give back. 10 years from now will it have mattered that my tree didn't look like the ones in the magazines? Will it matter that my shopping wasn't done on time? Will it matter that my house wasn't spotless? NO! What will matter today and in 10 years from now is how I helped to change a life during the Christmas 2010 season. What will matter is the smile on the face of the child who received my donated gift to the church, and the toy I put in the basket for the Toys for Tots drive, and the dollars I sent off to the Los Angeles Union Mission to help feed a homeless person a Christmas dinner. What will matter is that as I gave, my children watched and they too will have the spirit of giving to others.

You see my friends, life is a gift. No one is promised a tomorrow. Today could very well be your last day here on earth. Make a difference in the lives of the people around you. Change your attitude, forgive, love, speak words of encouragement to people or give a smile to a stranger. When you love everything around you and you are vibrating feelings of love and gratitude for all of God's blessings, you will see your life change.

When you truly remember that you too were given a gift and you FEEL the feelings of God's grace and mercy in your life, then and only then will you be able to experience the true meaning of Christmas.

Well enough said for today. I must get back to the tree. I will post a picture of it (when I get a quick second.) Feel free to comment. I love hearing from you. Talk soon......

Juju

(P.S. Please share my blog site with your friends)

LIVING A THANKFUL LIFE AND THEN GIVING BACK

2010-11-23T10:18:00.000-08:00

So it's Tuesday November 23rd and I have more on my plate than I can probably handle. My daughter is with grandma (needless to say, I worry when she's gone), my nails need to be done-forget the pedicure- I have no time, my wash is piling up, I stepped on the scale and I'm up 2 lbs, the bills need to be sent out and to top everything off-my husband is getting off of work early today and needs me to run some errands with him! (Sigh)

But I thought it was important to reach out to you to let you know that even though I feel out of control, I am so thankful to God that He has blessed me with my life. You see, last week I met with a video director. He is going to do a video interview for me AT NO CHARGE!! So, I had to drive around Los Angeles to decide which areas I wanted him to shoot and use in the video. As I drove down skid row and saw the mass of homeless people, the wino's, the prostitutes and the drug deals happening in the open, I was humbled once again. To think that I come from a dad that once walked those streets. To remember the horrible places he would take me as a child and the drug use I witnessed, once again humbled me. As I write this my soul is on it's knees in complete surrender to my Savior. In the past, I have had really rough times economically, in relationships, in marriage and in keeping things together for my kids. Through the rough times I prayed so - so much! But, I always gave thanks- no matter what I was going- through because I knew then and I know now that I will never have it as bad as those people on skid row. I have made different choices in my life. My heart goes out to them!

If you come from a rough beginning, if you find yourself worrying about money, if you are in a bad relationship, if you are depressed, I tell you today to rise up! You have a God that is alive and ready to listen to every cry of your heart. He will get you through these times. Don't stop seeking Him. Don't give up on yourself - on the miracle of YOU!

As you read in my book WAR DAD about the years of torment I was subjected to by my dad, it never stopped me from giving back. I always had a passion for the poor and the needy and I still do. At times I was only able to give one turkey at Thanksgiving to the local church. Some years it was a couple of canned goods. I remember making a shoe box for a needy child one Christmas that my church was going to give away. I went to the 99 cents store and bought really cheap items, but I filled that box and off it went. I felt so good because regardless of the items in that box, I knew that child was going to love receiving a box of goodies.

So, what I want you to know is that regardless of your situation, there IS something to be thankful for. (maybe for the eyes to read this) And regardless of your money situation, any little thing you can give to help someone in need is one more thing that person didn't have until you gave.

You matter! You make a difference! You are needed in this big ol' world! And for you - I am thankful :)

Juju

I finally get to blog my thoughts!

2010-11-16T10:38:00.000-08:00

Although Facebook and Twitter are fun, they are no match for having your own blog! I cannot wait to hear from you! I have been waiting for this day for so many years. A platform in which I can share my experiences, my opinions, my ideas, my quirkiness and most of all my faith in God. You see, no matter what path life was taking me down, I always had someone to take with me. I live by Matthew 6:33- Seek first the kingdom of God and all His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you. That verse has shown itself in my life. I hope to be living proof to you that life is good, there are good people and good times to be had. You just need to go out there and claim your stake in this wonderful world. I hope you get the chance to order my book WAR DAD. After reading my book, you will know a lot more about me. As I state in the beginning of my book, "I am not a professional writer." I write as if you were sitting here next to me and we were in conversation. I am not an English major so please don't bother correcting me, I am too old and I type too fast to care. I am a mom raising two kids, two dogs, and a husband. Between my two jobs, cooking, cleaning, and speaking engagements I spend little time proofing. I don't pretend to be a professional blogger either. This is a whole new world for me, but a world that I know without a doubt, I need to be a part of.

To sum it all up, this blog will be for sharing life experiences, shopping tips, headline news, hot topics, entertainment news, music, recipes and anything and everything that gets women talking. So with that, I say to you, welcome- it is my honor to be here with you :)