MEMORIAL DAY 2012

My name is Juju and I am a daughter of a Vietnam Veteran. 

Today is a very special day because it gives me, it gives you, it gives us, a chance - as a nation, to remember our fallen heroes. Memorial Day, although a great day for family get-togethers, BBQ’s, parties, celebrations, is more than that;  it’s a day that we should include into our celebrations the remembrance of the sacrifices made for us, for you, your children for because of our fallen heroes, you are able to enjoy this day in celebration, in full freedom without fear of attack. 

As a little girl I remember walking the streets of ELA with my dad looking for his next fix. You see, my dad, my War Dad, came back from Nam addicted to heroin and while my dad didn’t die in Vietnam, he returned unable to live a normal life; he was unable to be a father to me or a working citizen. He was addicted to heroin and I witnessed his self- destruction, I witnessed a person lose his spirit and slowly die after the war; he was dead on arrival. 

The horrors of what our soldiers endure at war are unimaginable to me, the post- trauma they come home with, if they survive, can also lead to a slow death.  

So, you see, Memorial Day encompasses more than just a nice BBQ - to me - if not for the fallen who lost their lives, if not for men like my dad - the ones who came home and continued to suffer until their death,  I wouldn’t have the freedom to enjoy a church service, I wouldn’t be able to speak freely, I wouldn’t be able to sleep soundly in my bed at night and for that I ask you today, before you enjoy that BBQ, before you sit for a meal, before you lay to rest tonight, take a little time to give thanks to almighty God for your freedom, say a prayer for a fallen soldier who carried your freedom and for those whom he/she left behind. 

You see, Memorial Day is alive and running for as I stand here today, we are still losing soldiers.   Don’t let their sacrifices get lost in a meaningless day of the month - because as their bodies are returned to their families, you and I are enjoying our freedom. 

May God bless you and your families and may we always be “One Nation Under God.” Thank you.

COME AND MEET ME IN PERSON

SUNDAY MARCH 11, 2012

I'LL BE SPEAKING AT:

WATER OF LIFE COMMUNITY CHURCH - YOUTH SERVICES

7623 EAST AVE, FONTANA, CA 92336

SERVICE TIMES ARE 8:50 A.M. 10:30 A.M. AND 12:10 P.M.

BRING YOUR YOUTH GROUPS, TEEN GROUPS, DAUGHTERS AND SISTERS!

Keep your Irons in the Fire!

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