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

I wish every day was a happy day

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

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

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

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

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?

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