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

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.

Keeping the faith in these difficult times in our lives is not as easy to do as it is to say. Yes, we believe in God and that his son died to save us. However, as human beings it is in our nature to desire the warmth of human touch, the love of friendship and the security that you are loved and appreciated wholly by your peers, and that they care about your well-being.

Sometimes we want to hear a human voice of encouragement. Not simply that inner voice in which we are still trying to discern God from our own thoughts. As young Christians, many of us are still learning the difference.

 My mom is not a young Christian, but she is a discouraged one. I find that disturbing because she goes to a big and well organized Church. I visited that Church’s website during the conversation with my mom, and it looks great, they seem to have it all together. This church has numbers; members; workers; followers; groups; well developed ministries, etc. So why does my mother believe she has to go through what she is going through alone?

 So I sent them a short e-mail, which went like this:

“Dear………

 My name is Latisha. I am daughter of one of the members of your Church. She is going through a lot in her life right now of which I am concerned. I love her so much. She feels as no one is there for her, which I find very hard to believe due to the fact that she is a member of such a big church family. Please remember her in the midst of your church responsibilities. Family is supposed to be there for each other, especially in our times of need. Yes, she needs your prayers but she also needs friendship and love. I am overseas and I can’t be there for her the way you can.”

Short but to the point don’t you think? I just wonder for some, what they think this is about. I go to a very small church, with very little members and following. We are still trying to grow many of our ministries, but I feel loved, I feel cared about. If we (my family) don’t make it to church on any given Sunday, they notice our absence and they call to find out why we weren’t there. My church is a giving and loving church. They give what they can, service; love; friendship; a listening ear; time; transportation; money; physical gifts, etc. In turn from them I learn to give in the same way.

Why do we go to church, is it only to praise and worship God and pay tithes? What is its purpose? Here is what God’s word says.

Romans 12:5 (NIV)

⁵so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

Hebrews 10:25(NIV)
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (NIV)

1 Corinthians 12:12 (NIV)
The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ.

It sometimes seems to me, that Christianity is like a little all girls/boys club, where the other sex isn’t allowed to join; the secular world being the other sex outside looking in.

We seem to be holding hands so tight there is no room for anyone who is not already a part of our group to connect with us. We are the ones who keep some from ever wanting to know God, we are the ones who judge, and we can be unforgiving and intolerant snobs.  

That is not the way God wants us to be, we need to be a reflection of Jesus. Jesus loves everyone, he forgives; he is merciful; warm; welcoming and kind. We need to open our arms and invite others to feel God’s love through us, those on the outside and on the inside. I know it is possible to be a part of a big family and still feel alone.

Open your eyes, Christian family and remember what we doing here? What is our purpose as the Body of Christ? Open your eyes, take the time to care for; love; forgive and encourage others or go back to your earthly home, and praise and worship God by yourself, food for thought.

I too, find myself interested and sometimes fascinating by the latest in entertainment news; not that interested in celebrity gossip though, especially the kind that highlights their bad behavior.

I empathize with celebrities; yes they are very rich and spoilt. However, that life can’t be an easy one, especially for those who started in this industry very young. Growing up in front of the camera, paparazzi following you everywhere you go; digging into your daily lives, dissecting your every move. What are you wearing, where are you going, what  are you eating, who are you dating, how much you weigh, etc.

Putting you on lists like; the worst dressed list; worst celebrity couples; and more. Scrutinizing everything you do. Then heaven forbid they get the dirt on you and they broadcast your mistakes over and over again; and ask the whole world to weigh in on the issue. Like if it is any of their business in the first place. It’s a good thing God is not like that, he is a forgiving God. He won’t remind us of all our mistakes over and over. Then put us on a platform to be judged by everyone around us; hung out to dry like how Jesus was hung on the Cross.

So yeah, as a celebrity you have to take the good with the bad. Not that I know from experience, thank God.

They are some celebrities who just choose to be a bad influence to our children throughout their career. Their only concern is their wealth, fame, reputation and having a successful career. I guess they don’t think that can happen, base on their talent alone. I guess they think they have to dress in skimpy outfits and sing about their sexual encounters to be recognized. 

Where are the good role models? The celebrity who carries themselves with class and self-respect; who don’t cheat on their spouse/partner; don’t drink or use drugs; don’t sleep with underage children; don’t glamorize sexual promiscuity; who make good choices for the most part; and who uses their wealth to help others and do good in this world. Where are those hard working, unselfish celebs that hone their craft; and earn our respect for their great accomplishments and performances; and not for their bad choices?  

I have two very young children; a 3 year old and a 4 month old; and this concern me. Who will be their role models?

When they grow up, will they know the difference between right and wrong or will sin be “no big deal?”

As I continue to write these words, some song lyrics just popped into my head. Can I share them with you?

“Do you know where you’re going to? Do you think you like what life is showing you? Where are you going to? Do you know?”

I’m not sure I want to know. I do know this though; our children and their futures are in God’s hands; and we are His vessels. We have to monitor what our children watch; what they are doing online; what they are reading about; and we have to have discussions with them about all this bad behavior they are exposed to.

I believe to raise excellent children; we have to encourage them to defy the ‘”norm.” Let them know they don’t have to do something just because it seems everyone’s doing it; singing about it; dressing that way, etc.

They don’t need to be the just like Lady Gaga; Adam Lambert; Beyonce; Tiger Woods; Britney Spears; Chris Brown; Miley Cyrus; Lil’Wayne; Rihanna or anyone else. They can make good choices and still be great.

They don’t have to use sex as a weapon and fill the void only God could fill with empty things.

Encourage them to immolate the good (which we rarely hear about) of the world. Their life would be divinely blessed and they will be a blessing to others, if they start their own revolution and stand confidently in God’s light.

I was already growing into an extremely fearful person, now as a parent and a wife my fear has drastically increased. Now I’m not only afraid of the bad things that can happen to me but to my husband and children as well; and believe me, I can imagine 1’000 or more ways bad things that could hurt them and then me.

Living in fear is a toxic disease, one that I with God’s direction could cure. I want my children to grow as well a glow and be all they were designed to be. I can’t raise them to be that way if I am controlled by fear.

Fear is a useless but vicious stronghold. The bible talks about fear numerous times and advices us to “fear not.” God knew that fear could be a man’s biggest downfall. It is a slow death of the spirit that drives us to shine.

I believe all children are born with that spirit burning inside them and we as parents slowly extinguish it. We send them out into the world with what’s left of it; and as time goes by, the world completely puts it out or covers it up with so much smut. It would take a lot of soul-searching to find it and get it burning again.

Fear could really set up shop in the midst of us trying to raise our beautiful; wonderful; optimistic; adventurous and bright children; and we allow it to make itself right at home.

We listen to negative self-talk whispered into our ears by an unseen force and we believe all that negativity. We believe we are sucky parents because we haven’t got it all figured out. We are afraid we are going to really screw-up our children. We are afraid to send them out into the world without us. We are afraid that we can’t protect them out there, we can’t even protect them in here. We have much to fear as people, let alone as parents.

That’s why we have to surrender these fears to the Lord and let him carry them for us. That’s why the bible says in Psalms 55:22, “Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.”

Fear is a stronghold I know very, very well; it is paralyzing; it keeps me from living at my very best. I am a woman full of dreams; talent and a potential for greatness (I believe we all start with that potential) but my spirit fire is partly extinguish. I know I have some changes to make, that are proving to be easier said than done. How I am going to combat my fear is another article in itself.

I know what I have to do. I just need the discipline to do it. I have to do it, not only for my own happiness and victory but for the happiness and success of my children; as well as for the lives they will change because they walk in victory.

Beverly Hills Mayor Nancy Krasne said Wednesday she is outraged over a Miss California USA contestant who is claiming to represent the city in the upcoming pageant and who spoke out against same-sex marriage in recent media interviews.

Krasne said in a statement that 23-year-old Lauren Ashley does not live in Beverly Hills or represent the city in any capacity. Krasne said she was shocked to see statements made by a beauty pageant contestant under the name of Beverly Hills, “which has a long history of tolerance and respect.”

Ashley recently told Fox News and other media outlets that same-sex marriage goes against God and the Bible.

Keith Lewis, a K2 Productions stage director for the Miss California USA pageant, told the Los Angeles Times that contestants choose the area they represent and Ashley chose to compete as Miss Beverly Hills in November 2010.

A phone listing for Ashley could not be found.

Krasne said the city has contacted Miss California USA pageant officials to determine ways to formally prevent any beauty contestants from claiming the title of Miss Beverly Hills in the future.

Ashley’s comments came just months after Prejean, the former Miss California USA 2009, reached a confidential settlement with pageant organizers on dueling lawsuits over her outspoken stance against gay marriage.

Prejean sued Miss California USA organizers in August for libel, slander and religious discrimination. She accused them of telling her to stop mentioning God even before her controversial remarks against gay marriage.

Prejean was fired in June after pageant officials accused her of missing events, an allegation she denied. The pageant later countersued Prejean.

Prejean said she was dethroned because she said during the Miss USA pageant that gays shouldn’t be allowed to marry.

The Link: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_miss_beverly_hills

Here  is the revamped music video of “We are the World.”  Now called “We are the World-25 for Haiti.”

Haters out there talking about how it sucks. I don’t think it sucks at all and I am not comparing it to the original. It is modern and more relevant to these times.

Two complaints though; why the heck did they make Lil’Wayne one of the featured artist, yuck! and some of the lyrics were revised; taking mention of God out of the picture. What’s up with that, who can lend a helping hand greater than God? I’m scared to live in a world trying to live without God.

omitted lines:
And their lives will be stronger and free
As God has shown us by turning stones to bread
And so we all must lend a helping hand

revised lines:
So their cries for help will not be in vain
We can’t let them suffer
No we cannot turn away
Right now they need a helping hand

I like the duet with Janet and Micheal Jackson; I like the Hip-Hop ensemble; I like most of the artists featured in the video excluding Lil’Wayne; I like the scenes depicting a hopeful spirit of the Haitian people amidst tragedy. I think it is a cool video. I hope it raises alot of money to help Haiti and inspire people to give whatever they can. After all that is what it is all about, right?