I'm off to New York City. Look for me Tuesay morning on Good Morning America audience.
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I will blog all about my trip upon my return. Until then, keep dreaming and living each day in joy!!
Juju
Thursday, April 14, 2011
You are Beautiful
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
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
OUR KIDS ARE UNDER ATTACK
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:
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~
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~
Monday, January 3, 2011
Happy New Year! Now what?
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
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
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Holiday Cheer in the form of an email
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 "
Friday, December 10, 2010
Stop and think before you react
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~
Monday, December 6, 2010
Don't get caught up in the hussle of the season
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)
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)
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