Most young musical artist don’t want to take responsibility for that, but whether they choose to acknowledge it or not, they are doing so much more than just using the gifts God blessed them with to produce fun music you can groove to, but they are also a huge influence in our kid’s lives. Most of them selfishly choose to do, sing and perform what and how they want; ignoring the fact that their music encourages sexual immorality, negative thinking; addictive behavior and ruins lives. Yes, parents share the blame for allowing their small children to even listen to or watch the likes of Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Rihanna, the new Miley Cyrus and others who glamorize these things.

I loved secular music once. In fact, I remember thinking I’d have to give up the music I loved for HIM made me take a little longer to put both feet into my Christian walk. Now I am a woman after God’s own heart but I still love music. However, I hate the crap they call music these days; we are downloading ignorance that doesn’t teach or encourage in to our minds. I personally believe it is possible to produce a quality product that both teaches and is fun. It seems most (of today’s talented artist) just want to be famous, not taking into consideration the weight of the content of their music and how they carry themselves in the public eye.

Anyway, I stopped listening to music (not completely but mostly) for a while, because I haven’t found music to love again, until now. I finally decided to stop complaining and do something about it. So I downloaded legally some good Christian music I can do housework, exercise; bounce and meditate to. I downloaded some Kirk Franklin, Barlow Girls; Ron Kenoly; Michael W. Smith; Mary Mary; Nicole C.Mullen; Bebe and Cece Winans; Steven Curtis Chapman (my favorite); and more.

I have fallen in love with music again and now my step has more pep. After all music is a universal language.

Here are some of my favorites, check ‘em out:

• Cinderella- Steven Curtis Chapman
• Lift HIM up- Ron Kenoly
• I need you to love me- Barlow Girl
• Get Up-Mary Mary
• Thank You- Mary Mary
• When I Call on Jesus- Nicole C.Mullen
• I Believe in Love-Barlow Girl
• Miracle of the Moment-Steven Curtis Chapman
• My Life is in your Hands-Kirk Franklyn
• In the morning- Mary Mary
• Draw Me Close to You- Michael W.Smith
• I Know my Redeemer Lives- Nicole C.Mullen
• One Heartbeat at Time- Steven Curtis Chapman
• More to this Life-Steven Curtis Chapman
• It’s the God in me-Mary Mary
• God has Smiled on me-Mary Mary

If you want to take in the magnificence of the world our divine Lord has created, watch the “Life” miniseries on Sundays, on Discovery and most other learning channels, its amazing stuff. God is the greatest artist above all great artist. This world, you, me, us, we are his masterpiece. I’d give all I am to be at least 1% the artist he is, and paint a colorful, joyful, fulfilled life for myself and my loved ones.

 I started this year with one mission in mind. My mission is to become a better me at the end of this year, than I was in the beginning. Actually, that is my all time life mission, to grow, keep moving and changing, and to get better, healthier; sexier; smarter; wiser; more blessed; gifted, and talented with every new breath. I want to take in the moments, to feel love and be loved, to be kind and receive kindness; to give of myself via service, encouragement and my abilities. I want to dance and sing all the days of my life, and I want to teach my children to be the same.

I’ll bet for some of you who are taking the time out of your busy schedule to read this article, probably think that sounds like a fairytale. Not according God’s word. In Jeremiah 29:11, a very popularly quoted bible verse, God declares His plans for our life. If we read on, he tells us how to get it. Seek Him with all your heart and He will prosper you. I haven’t a single doubt about it that everything in my life is working for my own good; to help shape and develop me into the “me” version of the “Proverbs 31” woman. So I’m going for it. I am absorbing every moment like it is my last. I am  going to spend quality time with my kids while they still want me too, I’m going to enjoy my marriage, I’m going use my time wisely here on this earth and live everyday like it is an amazing adventure. What are you going to do?

The actors seem burnt out; like they just want to get it all over with. I really was not very impressed with the last few episodes of Betty, especially the episode this week; “Million Dollar Smile.” I mean it had it’s moments in the last ten minutes, that were slightly funny (when Betty ripped open Wilhelmina’s shirt, exposing her Bustier) and sweet (when Betty finally got her braces taken off and Daniel gave Amanda his blessing to  date his half-brother who he hates).

This was one of those what life would be like if Betty was born with perfect teeth episodes. Apparently she’d be ugly on the inside; Wilhemina’s assistant and partner in the quest to take over the company; her family would be rich; Hilda would be fat and Justin wouldn’t exist; Marc would be a plain Joe with a son,and working front desk reception; Daniel hates her and is married to Amanda, and they both are cheating on each other; and Ignacio (Betty’s father) would have a gambling problem; all this because she was born with perfect teeth and eye-sight. Right!  This episode was plain stupid and unnecessary, I’m disappointed that’s the way they chose to use one of the last episodes they have left before this show becomes a distant memory.

 Why do I get the feeling I’m not going to get the ending I want here? I just hope I feel satisfied that their way is better than my way. I hope I am not disappointed by the finale, because it feels like they are going to try to cram everything in the final episode. 

 I was hoping they’d use these final five episodes to take their time and wrap things up nicely piece by piece; instead I feel new storylines emerging that should take us into a season five. I don’t want to be left with questions; I want old questions answered. So forget about the Justin love interest thing and Wilhelmina trying to take over Meade through Tyler thing. Man, how in the heck are they going to properly resolve these things in two episodes? I don’t think I like where this is going at all. I fear disappointment.

 What do you think? Comment please.

 Oh, yeah, next week’s episode; Betty, Hilda and Amanda are going to London; where they’ll meet up with Christina and Gio. Let’s see what happens.

P.S- America Ferrara is a very beautiful girl and she looks great. This was especially highlighted in this episode.

Once again; thoughts?

Did you know that the planned title of “Secret Life” was originally to be “The Sex Life of the American Teenager?” Imagine the things that would have popped up if you typed that in the search engines back then before the show became so popular. I wish I had $100 for every time someone says the word sex in every episode; I’d be rich. Now knowing what Brenda Hampton, the show’s writer and also of “7th Heaven” fame,  intended to call this show, I understand why 90% of the show’s content is discussions about sex and people young and old having sex.  

I am trying to read Mrs. Hampton; based on her development of the characters, conversations and situations in this show; to understand where she stands and whose side is she on. It almost feels as if she doesn’t know where she stands, she is just writing for the love of it, with no real purpose in mind. When I listen to some of the conversations between characters in this series, I don’t get what the message is. Is she trying to educate about sex?  Is she offering advice about various situations and emotions teenager’s experience?  Is she advising teens not to have sex now, but to wait? Or, is she saying it okay to have sex at their age? Brenda whose side are you on for goodness sake? What is your purpose? Are you trying to teach or just entertain?  

Brenda Hampton

 Sometimes it feels like she is trying to teach just a smidge; but mostly she is writing to entertain; and to receive good ratings and critic reviews. In my heart I am very disappointed in the direction she chose to take with this show. My disappointment emerged when Grace and Alice lost their virginities so easily, after originally being so determined not to have sex before marriage or at least in High School.  Did Brenda sell-out? I was trying to read up on her a little bit, understand her better, I really wanted to know if she is a Christian, but they don’t really go into any detail about her spiritual life in any of the bios I found.  

 Anyway, Secret Life was a show, I loved and admired very much. I feared for its security because I thought it would be a more teachable show with teachable dialogue mixed in with the entertainment factor. I thought it was a well rounded show with various representations of different teen perspectives on sex. Now I’m starting think the writer thinks that there is no such thing as a teen with integrity, that every teen thinks and talks about sex every moment they are awake; the bad girl; the Christian girl; the bad boy; the Christian boy; the smart girl; the naïve girl; the good boy; whoever; all of them are thinking and talking sex all the time. These characters are so one dimensional and they just fit into the box you’d expect them to; and she is swatting their virginities like flies, taking them down one by one.  

 As corrupt as I believe the world is, I don’t believe for a minute that real-life teens are that one dimensional and predictable. I believe they are teens out there with more integrity then depicted by “Secret Life’s” montage of characters; who are confident enough to stand in front the masses and say “Im’a be me, end of story.”  

Discussing some of the Characters  

Amy Juergens

Amy Juergens (portrayed by Shailene Woodley); she is one of those people who have sex for the first time and don’t make it out fully intact. She got pregnant by her High School’s infamous bad boy and player, even before she started her freshman year.  At first, for me Amy was a hard character to take; she was grumpy and angry all the time, understandably, and always complaining. Now in Season Two, I’ve seen her growth, she has matured and accepted what is, as opposed to what could have or should have been. I like that she has yet to have Sex since her first and only time, which shows she has learnt from her bad judgment. Amy is a hard-worker and she is very fortunate. Not all girls who get pregnant at fifteen are this fortunate. She has a job she loves; a family who loves her and helps her through the journey she is on; and two guys who want to be a part of her son’s life, a rich “nice-guy” who loves her and her son’s “bad boy” father who really loves his son.  I really don’t think this show fully reflects the rawness of the difficulty that goes in to being responsible for a child. They completely skipped the first months of sleepless nights. They really didn’t tell this story candidly, which is understandable, come on who wants to see all that, besides that’s what MTV’s “16 and Pregnant” and “Teen Mom” is for. 

Anne Juergens

George Juergens

Anne accidentally got pregnant. Now the two are back together and have three children to raise. They are still divorced. George wants to get remarried now, but Anne wants to take her time before jumping into marriage again. She has forgiven George for his infidelity and moved forward with her life. Anne looks great and really seems to be in a better place this season. George is still trying to catch up with the new Anne. However, I really do believe they love each other, they just forgot that marriage doesn’t just happen on its own; you have to work to keep it hot, spicy and fresh.  

Ashley Juergens

Ashley Juergens (Portrayed by India Eisley); Ashley is a very intellectual girl. She seems to be lost and unhappy all the time. She seems as though she is trying to find her place in her new family dynamic. There is one thing I don’t get; she was the one who convinced Amy that she should keep her baby and that she is perfectly capable of being a teenage mother. Now it seems as though she has left Amy to do it with out her support. I just mean, as the sister who really wanted her nephew be a part of their family, she could be a little more loving and supportive to Amy. She doesn’t have to be Amy’s babysitter all the time, but the least she could do is stop treating her sister like someone she resents. Now in the final episodes Ashley, who once said she won’t have a boyfriend or sex in High School is now thinking of following in Grace, Ben, Ricky, Amy, Alice and Henry’s footsteps. That is very disappointing. At least, she is taking all precautions to insure she protects herself from pregnancy and disease, but no contraceptive could protect her from the spiritual weight of having sex before marriage. 

Benjamin “Ben” Boykevich

Benjamin “Ben” Boykevich (Portrayed by Kenny Baumann); Ben is a very “nice guy” who is son of a wealthy meat company owner known as “The Sausage King.” Ben is a sweet and decent guy, the kind we are probably talking about when we say “nice guys finish last.” Personally, I think last is the best place to finish, because we often remember our last whatever, better than we remember our first. So go “nice guys.” Ben loves and has always loved Amy with all his heart, but his adolescent need to feed his lustful desires has cost him his relationship with her. Ben made a serious mistake; while in emotional confusion about his first love Amy; he had sex for first time with Adrian. She is a drop dead gorgeous Latina girl who loves sex and pursued him out of spite for Amy and Ricky. Ben really didn’t stand a chance. Only God could’ve helped a teenage boy who desires to have sex out of that one. That mistake will cost him a lot of grief. I’m routing for you Ben. 

Ricky Underwood

Ricky Underwood (portrayed by Daren Kagasoff); first I want to start off by saying Daren is a phenomenal actor; when he talks I feel compelled to listen; and when he feels; I feel; I love when actors do that for me. I feel satisfied with what I am watching.  Ricky is a very smart guy; he is kind and has a good heart. He is Amy’s son biological father. He loves his son but had a bad break with his biological parents, they were both drug addicts and his father sexual abused him as a child. Considering those factors, I think he has done alright for himself. He’s not on drugs or on the streets. He’s not a thief or a dishonest person. He is in therapy trying to deal with his struggles. Ricky is highly sexually active and the closest thing he had to a normal relationship was the one he had with Adrian. Neither of them had sex exclusively with one another, until coming on to the end of season two. In the same episode Adrian had sex with Ben and subsequent to when Ricky kissed Amy and discovered there is nothing there; he told Adrian he loved her via text message. While she was busy having sex to spite him because she thought Amy and Ricky were having sex. What is a relationship without trust? These two don’t understand what love truly is. Ricky has really decent Foster Parents and was blessed immensely in that capacity. Actually if he is able to use his God-eyes, he’d see how fortunate he is despite what happened in his past. 

Adrian Lee

Adrian Lee (portray by Francia Raisa); Adrian is a model student  who is also known as the “school slut.”  She is a straight-A student and a majorette. Did I also mention she is drop dead gorgeous? She is very sexually active; and is in a sexual relationship with Ricky. She believes she loves him and would like to marry him someday, even though he believes he is not the marrying kind.  However, she has not remained faithful to him or him to her. She made the mistake of having sex with Ben for revenge and out of spite for Ricky and Amy for having a baby together and as she thought, having sex with each other. She was warned by family and friends not to do that. Now there is a possibility she may be pregnant with Ben’s baby, which will change everything. I honestly think that added a nice twist to season two’s season finale for entertainment purposes but also if told right, it could also provide teachable content for season three. I would like Adrian to see this pregnancy through because so far none of these characters are ever really held accountable for their actions, especially not Adrian. She often gets exactly what she wants and how she wants it. Adrian was warned and she did what she wanted to do anyway. Now she needs to endure the consequences of her actions and her stubbornness. 

Grace Bowman

 

Grace Bowman (portrayed by Megan Park); Grace disappointed me the most. I mean yes, she is the dumbest and most naive character in the series, but she at least had her integrity. Then she gave it away and apparently liked it alot (I mean she had sex for first time with Jack); her father died that same night and she has never been the same since. My skin cringes when she or Jack professed to be Christians. Personally, I believe there is more to being a Christian than going to church or growing up in a Christian household. It’s the way you live your life. Not doing your own thing but letting the word of God guide you. I really appreciate this character least of all; she and jack give teen Christians a bad name. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying Christians are without sin, I’m just saying all and all, we still are suppose to live our lives like Jesus to the best of our abilities. 

Jack Pappas

Jack Pappas (Portrayed by Greg Finley II); honestly Jack’s a good guy, but he is kind of boring, He really doesn’t add much to the show if you ask me. He thinks being a Pastor’s kid and going to church makes him a Christian, but his life style sings a different tune. Nevertheless, Jack is a decent guy, who’d make his wife a very happy woman someday. Jack had some sexual involvement with Adrian early on in season one, which caused problems between him and Grace for a while. 

Madison Cooperstein

 

Lauren Treacy

Madison Cooperstein and Lauren Treacy (portrayed by Renee Olstead and Camille Winbush); these two are Amy’s best friends; they are not the greatest friends in the world, but hey, good friends are hard to find. They aren’t Amy’s frenemies either; they are just teenagers with big mouths, and probably the kind of friends who are in your life for a season. Madison is now dating Jack and providing him with oral sex. On another note, Renee Olstead of “Still Standing” fame and the young actress who portrays Madison, has a beautiful, sweet, jazzy singing voice, as displayed in this season’s season finale, at Leo and Betty’s wedding. You go girl.  

 

 

 

Griffin (portrayed Brandon Eaton); I don’t like the introduction of this character; not only because I am Christian and homosexuality is against my beliefs, but he doesn’t really add to the content of the show either, it’s like he is just there to fill the “gay quota.” He feels like an unnecessary character to me.

 

 

Alice

Henry

Alice Valko and Henry Miller (portrayed by Amy Rider and Allen Evangelista); Alice and Henry are Ben’s best friends. Alice seemed like such an intelligent, confident powerhouse in season one, a girl bent on not having sex, at least in high school. I don’t know what happened, halfway through season one she made a drastic switch on me. She did have sex afterall with her boyfriend, from since the beginning of the show, Henry. I was shock by it, it just happened too unexpectedly for me. I still can’t wrap my head around it. Since Alice had sex with Henry she has turned into a sex-crazed airhead. Henry is Ben best friend and Alice’s boyfriend. Allen doesn’t really have much to do in the series right now, just look like a sexually active bobble head. 

 Whew; I am finally done. Now calculate $100 times the amount of times I said sex in this very long write-up and gimme my money; or should i pay you for read this only thing. Hhhmmmm, i’ll think about it. Wanna discuss? Let’s.

 Holla at me (comment) with your thoughts on my short little write-up here.

Starting from the beginning. We have been experiencing the potty training blues with our ever-so-brilliant daughter over the past month. Bits of January and February she was on the right track, she had accidents here and there, but at least she managed to poop-poop in the potty most of the time. She was even going to the potty by herself without telling us first or without us having to ask her if she had to go. Then she got sick for two weeks (Infectious Mononucleosis (Mono), also known as “the kissing disease.”

That set us back terribly, now all of a sudden, she stopped trying to go. She goes at school, but for some reason she lets it all out wherever, whenever at home. What makes it even worse is in her fight for independence, she wants to wear a panty and not her pull-ups. So we end up cleaning poop and pee off the floor a couple of times a day.

Yesterday, we were at the doctor’s office, we went there straight after picking her up from pre-school, so she still had on an underwear. I wanted to put on a pull-up on her, so to avoid any accidents, but she fought me on it, she wanted to be a “big girl.”  So I explained to her that we were at the doctors and if she pee-pee or poop-poop in her panty that she would have to keep on her wet pants until we get home. I took the chance that she’d do the right thing. What she knows she should do. She didn’t.

She peed in her pants like I thought she might and hoped she wouldn’t. Then and there I realized how much parenting requires patience. I thought about the way my mother would respond to that, if my three year old self did that, after fighting to keep the panty on, I felt sure she’d go ballistic on me, right there at the doctors office, onlookers or not (we are Caribbean folk). However, being that I live in America, I kept my cool.

Now back to the story at hand. I tried forcing my daughter to go to the toilet today, even though she said she did not want to. Often, she has an accident just two seconds after we’d asked her if she needed to go. So I wanted her to at least try. My daughter is in her  “no” phase, she tells me no numerous times a day and she is quite stubborn. So I’m yelling and threatening, and she is getting frustrated and angry at me, and I at her. Then my husband comes out.

He tries to speak to me nicely and tell me that this technique will not help us in our potty training quest. I knew that, but I didn’t want him questioning my parenting skills, so I tried to shut the bathroom door in his face. That makes him mad, now he’s yelling and I’m trying to walk away from him as he is trying to talk to me. I am angry because of the way he is shouting at me in front of my daughter and he’s angry because I am not listening and I am trying to run away from the conversation (imagine that).

I’ve told him before, when you start to shout, I stop listening. There is nothing that makes me angrier in this world than to be shouted at or told to shut-up; even when I am wrong I still expect your respect.

So I’m angry. I feel the tension and frustration boiling in my chest; and I want to scream so loud aliens could hear me in Mars; I want to tear the place up; rip stuff; punch stuff; break stuff; throw stuff; and I don’t want to ask God to help calm me down because I want the anger to fester, I want my husband to know how angry he has made me.

I know your expecting me to have some big solution of what to do when you feel like that. I’m still working on it. Maybe the right thing to do is to walk away; go meditate for a while; talk to God; not hurt someone physically or with your words;  and not destroy your stuff or anyone else’s and regret it later; that makes no sense. Keep your cool is all I can say to you, before you do something you regret or you can’t take back.

Anger causes people to do stupid things. When you allow yourself to stay in that place, it gives the devil the leverage he needs to destroy you and use you to destroy others. Don’t be Satan’s minion.

I eventually calmed myself; and nothing or no one got hurt in the process. Writing is very therapeutic. I love it. You should try it.  I’m going to go hug my family now.

What God’s Word Says about anger?

Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret-it leads only to evil (Psalm 37:8).

A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult (Proverbs 12:16).

Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing (Proverbs 12:18).

A wise man fears the Lord and shuns evil, but a fool is hotheaded and reckless (Proverbs 14:16

A quick-tempered man does foolish things, and a crafty man is hated (Proverbs 14:17).

A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly (Proverbs 14:29).

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger (Proverbs 15:1).

A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel (Proverbs 15:18).

Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city (Proverbs 16:32).

A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered (Proverbs 17:27).

It is to a man’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel (Proverbs 20:3).

Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!” Wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you (Proverbs 20:22).

Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control (Proverbs 25:28).

Mockers stir up a city, but wise men turn away anger (Proverbs 29:8).

A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control (Proverbs 29:11).

An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commits many sins (Proverbs 29:22).

You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, “Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.” But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment … first go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift (Matthew 5:21-24).

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21).

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs (1 Corinthians 13:4-5).

The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions (Galatians 5:19-20).

“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold (Ephesians 4:26-7).

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you (Ephesians 4:29-32).

Let your gentleness be evident to all (Philippians 4:5).

But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips (Colossians 3:8).

And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful (2 Timothy 2:24).

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires (James 1:19-20).

Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing (1 Peter 3:9).

I Wanna Punch Stuff Video-from “I’m in the Band” Disney  XD

Nor, “The Facts of Life;” “Past Life;” “This Emotional Life” (a documentary which premiered in January on PBS) or any other song, game, book, movie or t.v show that has the word life in the title. I watch a lot of t.v, can you tell?

Anyway, I’m referring to life closer to home; my life. I love my life, I really do. I love life and what it stands for; even though everyday I hear a voice in my head telling me different. I probably hear “I hate my life,” “I want to take my life,” “Life sucks,” “Life is unfair,” in my mind more times than I should. Really, I’m not an angry person; a sad person or a depressed person, not by nature anyway, but those thoughts and emotions do get the best of me sometimes, I am human after all.

 However, life is a beautiful thing, a gift from God and despite all the evil corrupting this world and trying to destroy God’s magnificent masterpiece; life. We can live a full, happy, healthy, adventurous life.

  Psalms 91:5-10 says

 ⁴ He will cover you with his feathers,
       and under his wings you will find refuge;
       his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

  ⁵ You will not fear the terror of night,
       nor the arrow that flies by day,

  ⁶ nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,

 nor the plague that destroys at midday.

  ⁷ A thousand may fall at your side,
       ten thousand at your right hand,
       but it will not come near you.

  ⁸ You will only observe with your eyes
       and see the punishment of the wicked.

  ⁹ If you make the Most High your dwelling—
       even the LORD, who is my refuge-

  10 then no harm will befall you,
       no disaster will come near your tent.

Life is good. Life is love; life is joy; life is adventure; music; movies; books; happiness; art; architecture; culture; travel; tasty food; dance; sports; discovery; I could go on forever. So what’s not to love?

 Last year, life brought me a miscarriage in January; the birth of my handsome son in November; and nausea; fatigue; and no appetite in between. My mom, Dad and three of my five siblings visited me; and that was an adventure. Last year, I celebrated birthdays; dedications; baby showers, and so much more. Last year, like every year I have been alive has been an adventure, an experience that could be compared to a roller coaster ride.

This year, I started off planning with one purpose in mind and received a big surprise. I had to rethink my plans. Life doesn’t always, in fact hardly ever goes according to your plans.

 Right now, as it stands. My heart is filled with the desire to grow; learn; understand; overcome; teach; bless and be blessed. I desire to build a deeper bond with the lord and study HIS word. I desire to raise my children excellently. Prepare them for the very challenging road this life provides.

I am a BIG dreamer. Are you?  Some of my dreams are to travel the world, taste it, touch it, feel it, explore it, and discover it. This world is a stunning and majestic place. I want to experience as much of it as I can before I leave it behind. It is God’s incredible creation after all. I want to experience it to the fullest with my precious family.

Other dreams not yet fulfilled are; to see Theater productions, e.g “The Little Mermaid;” “The Lion King;” “Dirty Dancing;” “Beauty and the Beast,” etc. Some of those productions have been so close to me I could easily catch a train and go downtown to see them but alas I could not afford to go. Life is heart-breaking some times.

 I desire to be a writer and own my own magazine publication among other things. Life is hard-work. I desire to be a confident; happy; healthy woman who will be a blessing to others; and whose life and family will be blessed because of her faith, hard-work, prayers and kindness. I want to add to this world and leave a legacy behind; as well as paved a smoother road for my offspring to travel. What are your dreams? What do you want to leave behind?

Life is faith; hope; believing in your dreams; hard-work; challenges; trials; triumphs; risk; passion; creativity; art; poetry; accomplishment; visualizing a future; dreaming, and more. Life is ongoing; always changing; and always moving. God is like that too.

 God designed us with a plan and purpose; and it is not to be stagnant. It is to keep planning; growing; learning; discovering; creating; developing; and so on.

 So keep doing those things, as well as pray; praise God; study HIS word and be patient. Your time will come. Your children will be alright, your loved ones will be divinely blessed because they are covered in your prayers and your actions.

Besides life is good; life is God; God is life.

 Have a Blessed Day.

 Talk to me, I’d love to hear from you.

I can’t give him all the credit though, I’m pretty sure I meet him more than half the way. After all I have more control over me than he does. Do you know he can’t even read my mind? So pretty much what he knows, I told him, one way or the other.

He may not be able to read my mind, but he is a great listener, whether I want him to or not. So every time I talk about my weaknesses and short-comings he hears me. When I am anxious; worried; afraid; nervous; angry; sad; depressed or any other poisonous emotion, he notices, because he is very observant. He pays very close attention to my body language and actions, and when I am most vulnerable he pounces like a predator and hits me where it really hurts.

I am Satan’s greatness ally in the war against myself. He would stop at nothing to keep me from discovering the champion I am deep inside. He would stop at nothing to keep me from shining and showing the world what God’s light looks like in me.

So I have challenges. I have the regular kind, like everyone else. Then there is my own personal spiritual battle with the stronghold of ****. Unh-unh, I’m not going to say it this time.

I know one thing; I can’t be Satan’s bitch any longer. I have a family I need to be a confident; empowered woman for. If I don’t man-up, I mean woman-up for my children then what chance will they have in this sinful world.

I have been receiving a message a lot lately, through God’s messengers. Preparation and discipline is the key. I can’t just be praying (more like begging) for God’s help and do nothing while I wait. I have to believe God will answer my prayers. I also have to prepare my life and my heart to receive his blessing.

I have been victim for way to long, and I have had enough. The devil is probably reading this right now and laughing to his self, saying “Sure, I’ve heard that before.”

Nevertheless, today is the day I take charge of my life by handing it over to God. Trusting HIM wholly, arming myself with his word; prayer;  and then prepare for his blessing.

Starting with studying the word; praying; meditation; exercise; discipline; filtering what I watch and listen to; facing my fears; educating myself; enjoying life’s precious moments; being thankful in all things; and positive self-talk.  It’s a new day.

God’s Word:

Jeremiah 29: 11-14

¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back from captivity. ^[b] I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”

Ephesians 6:10-17 (NIV)

¹⁰Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

Philippians 4:6-7

⁶Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

2 Corinthians 10:5 (New International Version)

⁵We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.