BLACK IN AMERICA- ARE WE VICTIMS, WHO IS REALLY RESPONSIBLE?

from cryptaniteat12

Response to "CNN Presents: Black in America" a six-hour television event"

There’s a story about a young newlywed bride who is cooking a ham dinner. She prepares it by cutting both ends of the ham off before she puts it into the pot. The groom asks the wife why she cut both ends off. The daughter then asks her mother and she replies that was how her mother taught her. At that point the grandmother comes in and she is asked why both ends are cut off. The grandmother replied that she didn’t have a big enough pot.

Black America when do we take responsibility for our condition? How long will we keep cutting off both ends of the ham? You may ask- how do we keep cutting off both ends? Let me give just 13 examples of dysfunctional behavior that some of us perpetuate:

1) Refusing to finish at a minimum high school
2) Failure to turn the television off
3) Failure to choose healthy foods
4) Failure to exercise
5) Choosing consumerism over education
6) Failure to adopt a global perspective, understand our history and world history
7) Using racism and sexism as an excuse for not achieving
8) Living in denial versus confronting our deficiencies and institutional societal wrongs including racism and sexism inside and outside of the church
9) Choosing an underachieving noncommittal black man because he is black
10) Failure to get tested for HIV/AIDS, wear a condom or have your partner wear one
11) Limiting your choice to only black men
12) Forgetting the ancient landmarks that allowed our ancestors to survive slavery
13) Refusal to accept the need for and release ourselves to a higher power in our lives

Black America no one is going to save us, but ourselves. Let’s stop cutting off both ends of the ham because it is comfortable and everyone else is supposedly doing the same. (By the way is ham still a staple in your diet?)

Leave me some comments as to how we can think outside the box rather than cutting off both ends through black homicide, HIV/AIDS (the number one killer of Black women aged 25-34), under and unemployment, disproportionally high school dropout rate, 50% black single parental rate etc.

Stay Blessed!
Joyce
P.S. I'm glad Barack Obama's parents didn’t cut off both ends of the ham!
www.womensempowermentseminars.com

An Interview With Rick Warren Author Of The Purpose Driven Life

Hi guys,
I want to share with you a candid interview with Rick Warren, the author of the "PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE" that was sent to me by a reader named Chandra. Rick Warren reflects on his wife’s bout with cancer and his response to his new "wealth" from the book sales. Let’s pray and declare healing in the name of Jesus for Mrs. Warren and comfort and strength for her husband who has given so much to others. The Word says that there “is nothing too hard for God and that with God all things are possible!”

Stay Blessed!
Joyce


In the interview by Paul Bradshaw with Rick Warren, author and pastor of Saddleback Church in California, Rick said:

People ask me, What is the purpose of life? And I respond: In a nutshell, life is preparation for eternity. We were made to last forever, and God wants us to be with Him in Heaven.

One day my heart is going to stop, and that will be the end of my body-- but not the end of me.

I may live 60 to 100 years on earth, but I am going to spend trillions of years in eternity. This is the warm-up act - the dress rehearsal. God wants us to practice on earth what we will do forever in eternity.

We were made by God and for God, and until you figure that out, life isn't going to make sense.

Life is a series of problems: Either you are in one now, you're just coming out of one, or you're getting ready to go into another one.

The reason for this is that God is more interested in your character than your comfort.

God is more interested in making your life holy than He is in making your life happy.

We can be reasonably happy here on earth, but that's not the goal of life. The goal is to grow in character, in Christ likeness.

This past year has been the greatest year of my life but also the toughest, with my wife, Kay, getting cancer.

I used to think that life was hills and valleys - you go through a dark time, then you go to the mountaintop, back and forth. I don't believe that anymore.

Rather than life being hills and valleys, I believe that it's kind of like two rails on a railroad track, and at all times you have something good and something bad in your life.

No matter how good things are in your life, there is always something bad that needs to be worked on.

And no matter how bad things are in your life, there is always something good you can thank God for.

You can focus on your purposes, or you can focus on your problems.

If you focus on your problems, you're going into self-centeredness,"which is my problem, my issues, my pain." But one of the easiest ways to get rid of pain is to get your focus off yourself and onto God and others.

We discovered quickly that in spite of the prayers of hundreds of thousands of people, God was not going to heal Kay or make it easy for her.

It has been very difficult for her, and yet God has strengthened her character, given her a ministry of helping other people, given her a testimony, drawn her closer to Him and to people.

You have to learn to deal with both the good and the bad of life.

Actually, sometimes learning to deal with the good is harder. For instance, this past year, all of a sudden, when the book sold 15 million copies, it made me instantly very wealthy.

It also brought a lot of notoriety that I had never had to deal with before. I don't think God gives you money or notoriety for your own ego or for you to live a life of ease.

So I began to ask God what He wanted me to do with this money, notoriety and influence. He gave me two different passages that helped me decide what to do, II Corinthians 9 and Psalm 72

First, in spite of all the money coming in, we would not change our lifestyle one bit. We made no major purchases.

Second, about midway through last year, I stopped taking a salary from the church.

Third, we set up foundations to fund an initiative we call The Peace Plan to plant churches, equip leaders, assist the poor, care for the sick, and educate the next generation.

Fourth, I added up all that the church had paid me in the 24 years since I started the church, and I gave it all back. It was liberating to be able to serve God for free.

We need to ask ourselves: Am I going to live for possessions? Popularity?

Am I going to be driven by pressures? Guilt? Bitterness? Materialism? Or am I going to be driven by God's purposes (for my life)?

When I get up in the morning, I sit on the side of my bed and say, God, if I don't get anything else done today, I want to know You more and love You better. God didn't put me on earth just to fulfill a to-do list. He's more interested in what I am than what I do.

That's why we're called human beings, not human doings.
Happy moments, PRAISE GOD.
Difficult moments, SEEK GOD.
Quiet moments, WORSHIP GOD.
Painful moments, TRUST GOD.
Every moment, THANK GOD.

NOW. PLEASE SHARE THIS WITH YOUR FRIENDS

A Time To Laugh- Part II

Kerri Pomarolli: Clean Christian Comedy

From: b13ed


Hey Guys,
I couldn't get enough of Kerri, her comedy is infectious so I will share another one of her clips today. I'm sure you like me could benefit from a good laugh that's guaranteed to raise your endorphin level. And it will not cost you a thing, just a click of the mouse below. If you combine it with a walk in the park, an uplifting song, meditation, some fruits and vegetables and a little Quaker Oatmeal you may be able to throw away your bottles of statins and antedepressants.(hmmm) It works for me- let me know what you think. Let's all strive to be a Winner at life!

Stay Blessed!
Joyce

A Time To Laugh

Clean Christian Comedy

From: b13ed


To every thing there is a season,and a time to every purpose under the heaven:.. a time to weep, and a time to laugh. Today my friends I encourage you to have a good laugh. It is important that we acknowledge the negative, disappointing things that may happen to us in life, but we don't stay there.

The good news is that we have a choice and with the gift of life we can change the apparent deficiencies we encounter in life. This is the amazing power that is within man, the capacity to think, create and change our environment by our thoughts and actions.

I encourage you today to use your creative abilities so that you can laugh, build up others and bring about peace and unity in the world. Take a moment to view this video by Kerri Pomarolli to see how she uses the gift of humor to do good while she is here on earth. Let's choose to be a Winner at life and enjoy today!

Stay Blessed!
Joyce

The Healing Power of Water

TGIF guys!
I have been slacking off on my blog since the death of my mom on February 29, 2008. I want to thank one of my readers, Anuj Agarwal for sending me a link to his website and allowing me to use today's slideshow.

One of the ways that I deal with loss and depression is to go outside and enjoy nature. A simple walk in the park has a way of lifting my spirit. It allows me to commune with God, enjoy this wonderful planet that we share and gives me the assurance that whatever I'm going through will pass!

This slideshow is for those of you who can't get away and enjoy God's marvelous creation today. Take a few moments and play a game with your mind and pretend you are
there. I guarantee that your blood pressure will go down and your spirits will be lifted like mine. Thanks again Anuj for making my day!

Enjoy your weekend everyone and Stay Blessed!
Joyce

Somewhere- We’ll Find A New Way Of Living

Somewhere with Anita Baker and David Koz (From: fasho305)

Perseverance is the name of the game. As you can see below, I love Anita Baker and when you add David Koz on the sax it is absolutely heavenly! Click on the link below to listen and enjoy as the two of them take you to a place that will lift you above the cares of this world. Their music and melody will inspire you to overcome whatever obstacles you may be facing today.

Tomorrow always offers the prospect that a rainbow will appear to cast out the storms and discouragements of the past. The key is to take one small step at a time if necessary and never, never, give up. You see the race is not given to the strong, but to those who persevere to the end.

The word persevere means “to persist in anything undertaken; maintain a purpose in spite of difficulty, obstacles, or discouragement; continue steadfastly.” By definition it means going through the severe times, the “mean” times in our life. Do you know what I like about life and God? It’s amazing that He would give us a rainbow right after the storm and before our desire has manifested to let us know that whatever we are going through,- that this too shall pass!

The race is not given to the swift either, so don’t give up- rest if you must, but don’t you quit! You see there is always a rainbow on the horizon that will cast its reflection and let you know all is well. As you continue to fight the good fight of faith in this vast universe, your time will eventually come, and you will be a Winner at life!

Stay Blessed!
Joyce

This Too Shall Pass- “Ain’t No Need To Worry!”

This current real estate market is unlike any that has occurred in the last 50 years or more. I have good news though for my fellow real estate agents, loan officers and other service related professionals that feed off the real estate industry. This too shall pass! The question that arises is- what do I do in the meantime?

I have some suggestions as to what you can do in these "mean" times. This is what works for me and how and why I keep smiling:

1) Pray
2) Listen to songs like this one by Anita Baker & the Winans
3) Exercise
4) Find a job even if it is beneath you. (I did BPOs for a company and got paid $65 for each one. Every agent knows that this is no money, but it kept be busy and fought off depression. Out of the blue one day I got a call from a REO company that asked me to handle their REOs)
5) Sell or do anything legally that can make you money. Can you bake delicious cookies? Encourage and motivate children? Write newspaper articles? What untapped talents do you have that will allow you to make money?
6) Pray for supernatural intervention so that you can connect with someone that can elevate you to the next level. (I was blessed to find a buyer for a commercial building that allowed me to pay off all my debts and have money left over to weather this storm.)
7) Watch your expenses- bring your lunch, make lunch for your husband and kids, buy a whole chicken and bake it yourself. Use the leftovers for sandwiches.
8) Watch a funny movie and continue to count your blessings.

Until tomorrow, remember to keep smiling and continue to release those healthy endorphins to strengthen your immune system so that you can be a Winner at life!

Stay Blessed!
Joyce


Anita Baker & The Winans - Ain't No Need To Worry- (from: MissyMonet76)

How To Get To The Palace From Your Prison!

Hello guys,
It is a beautiful day in the neighborhood. My cholesterol is done and I am counting my blessings one by one. I am particularly excited about sharing with you the release of a powerful, life impacting, and motivational book. It is entitled, How To Get To The Palace From Your Prison! Joseph’s 14-Step Program to Overcome Loneliness, Depression, Discrimination, Barrenness & Abuse written by yours truly.

A synopsis of the book is as follows: “The Biblical story of Joseph is used to uncover a 14-Step Recovery Plan to overcome loneliness, depression, discrimination, barrenness and abuse. The author’s spiritual and psychological analysis of Joseph’s trials, tribulations, and triumphs reveals to the reader how to achieve the promises of God and arrive at that place of shalom, the Hebrew word for peace. Farrar-Rosemon defines the word to mean “nothing missing and nothing broken” in the reader’s life.

The author draws on her background as a broker and psychiatric social worker and shares how her personal tragedies and those of other individuals and groups were resolved using this 14-Step Program. This book details statistics on depression, unemployment, abuse, addictions, miscarriage, abortion, HIV/AIDS, discrimination and other timely social and psychological ills. The Appendix contains national toll-free 800 resource numbers for individuals and groups to connect with so that they can begin the healing process.” For a free preview click on, How To Get To The Palace From Your Prison!
Remember it’s important that you don’t let others define who you are and what you can become. Stir up the gifts and talents that God has placed in you. Encourage yourself when no one else will. You have been fearfully and wonderfully made and it is the Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. He wants to make you a Winner at life!

Stay Blessed!
Joyce

Laugh More And Live A Longer, Healthier Life

I felt a good way to end this month would be on a light note. The Bible tells us that a “merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones” (Proverbs 17:22). My friends do you know that science is now showing us empirically how laughter positively effects the body, immune system and promotes life. Take a look at this article below by two California researchers and you will be amazed at what laughter can do. I’ve included some cartoons and some dumb stupid jokes to keep you on the road to a healthier you so that you won't dry out. Let's continue to laugh, eat right, exercise, and take care of our emotions so that we can truly be Winners at life.

Stay Blessed!
Joyce




Therapeutic Benefits of Laughter

"Dr. Lee Berk and fellow researcher Dr. Stanley Tan of Loma Linda University in California have been studying the effects of laughter on the immune system. To date their published studies have shown that laughing lowers blood pressure, reduces stress hormones, increases muscle flexion, and boosts immune function by raising levels of infection-fighting T-cells, disease-fighting proteins called Gamma-interferon and B-cells, which produce disease-destroying antibodies. Laughter also triggers the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, and produces a general sense of well-being….
Research results indicate that, after exposure to humor, there is a general increase in activity within the immune system, including:

An increase in the number and activity level of natural killer cells that attack viral infected cells and some types of cancer and tumor cells.

An increase in activated T cells (T lymphocytes). There are many T cells that await activation. Laughter appears to tell the immune system to "turn it up a notch."

An increase in the antibody IgA (immunoglobulin A), which fights upper respiratory tract insults and infections.

An increase in gamma interferon, which tells various components of the immune system to "turn on."

An increase in IgB, the immunoglobulin produced in the greatest quantity in body, as well as an increase in Complement 3, which helps antibodies to pierce dysfunctional or infected cells. The increase in both substances was not only present while subjects watched a humor video; there also was a lingering effect that continued to show increased levels the next day."

http://www.holisticonline.com/Humor_Therapy/humor_therapy_benefits.htm



DUMB, STUPID JOKES

JOKE # 1) How do you catch a "UNIQUE RABBIT"?
ANSWER--YOU -- NIQUE up on it!
JOKE # 2) How do you catch a "TAME RABBIT"?
ANSWER--TAME WAY!
JOKE # 3) How do you"TOP' A CAR?
ANSWER--TEP ON THE BWAKE! NOW DO YOU FEEL ---TUPID

Do You Feel Like You Are Going Insane?

Like most people you probably answered “no” immediately. I used to work with individuals at GMHI (Georgia Mental Health Institute) who had been diagnosed as insane. I can recall one young homicidal man that was so deranged that we needed at least five individuals to bring him his meal for fear that he might strike out and kill one of us. This is probably what most people think of when they hear the word insane.

But my friends, if you keep doing the same thing and you get the same results; your behavior meets the definition of insanity. One of the definitions of insanity is behavior that is “utterly foolish or unreasonable.” If there is some addictive behavior that has a stronghold on your life and you tried and tried to release it and you can’t- that’s insanity. It's a stronghold, a yoke that has you tied up. Depression, poverty, unemployment, underemployment, compulsive spending, risky sexual behavior, smoking, drug addiction, negative thinking, etc. - these are all strongholds.

The good news is that these strongholds can be overcome, but they must be confronted with “sane” responses if you want to destroy this behavior and not self-destruct. For individuals struggling with various addictions click on http://www.12step.org/Versions-of-the-12-Steps.html. This site has links to various versions of Alcohol Anonymous’ world acclaimed 12-Step program for all types of addictive behavior.

When I’m struggling with a stronghold I resort to these steps and modify them according to the challenge I’m facing. The first three steps are as follows:

1) I admitted that I was powerless over (I fill in the blank with whatever my challenge is)—that my life had become unmanageable.
2. Came to believe that a Power greater than myself could restore me to sanity.
3. Made a decision to turn my will and my life over to the care of God as I understood Him.

Another method I use to overcome the strongholds in my life is to listen to music like the Biblical King Saul did to soothe the beast in him. Yes, my friends if we want to be the Head and not the tail, we must confront our weaknesses and take reasonable actions. Click on the link below and Let Go and Let God make you the Winner at life that you were designed to be.

Stay Blessed!
Joyce



Dewayne Woods "Let Go" (From: kennysw23 youtube.com)

Did Someone Drop You In Your Infancy?

Good Morning guys,
My title may have thrown you off guard. But I think if you honestly think about the question, you will have to say, “Yes, somewhere through the course of life I have been dropped, like Mephibosheth.” For those of you who are not familiar with the story found in 2 Samuel 4, in a nutshell it is as follows: Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan was dropped by his nurse and was crippled for life. The story ends with Mephibosheth being cared for by King David and ate from his table for life.

Many of us have been dropped in life. It may have been a relative or friend that abused or neglected us during our childhood. Sometimes we are dropped by a loved one who promised to love us ‘til death do we part. Others may have been dropped by a business partner, a deal or relationship that went sour. Others have been dropped or not even considered because of race, color, gender or exterior appearance.

The “Good News” tells us that if we fight the good fight of faith, partner with the Davids in our life, we like Mephibosheth will eat from the King’s table. If you don’t believe me, read the Bible for yourself. It states clearly in Deuteronomy 28:13 that by following the Word, we will be the “Head” and not the tail.

Yes, God will lift us up on his shoulders and get us through our midnight experiences. He will turn our failures into successes. God wants to be our bridge over troubled waters. He is able to strengthen our lame legs and provide all of our needs like He did for Mephibosheth. “Our time has come to shine, all our dreams are on the way!” Click on the link below, listen to Paul Simon & Art Garfunkel (Bridge Over Troubled Waters) and meditate on how you can be a Winner at life!

Stay Blessed!
Joyce



Bridge Over Troubled Waters by cloud2100 (youtube.com)

Now Is Not The Time To Quit!

Good Morning guys!
I have decided that one of the major keys to success is simply having a mindset that refuses to give up. Plain and simple- the race is not given to the swift, but to those that endure to the end. We out of all the animals in the animal kingdom have the ability to reshape our world and destiny. A horse will always be a horse, a cow, a cow, etc. I’m sure you get what I mean.

True enough, your funds may be low and your debts may be too embarrassing or nerve-racking to mention, but this is not the truth about your situation. The truth is that you have the ability to reshape your life and destiny. Your FEAR of achieving your goal is simply (F)alse (E)vidence (A)ppearing as (R)eal.

What is real is that you as a human are fearfully and wonderfully made. The only true obstacle to your success is yourself. Yes, there are challenges that you will face in life, but you have an incredible mind that will allow you to get out of all the mazes in your life. If a laboratory rat can do it- what’s your excuse? Excuses are simply a reason to give up. As long as there is breath in your body, don’t give up! There are many who would like to be in your shoes. Your obstacle can be someone else’s opportunity for greatness.

Christopher Columbus said, “You can never cross the ocean unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.” Tomorrow I will share with you my secret to success, the unseen partner, the second set of footprints that accompany me when I dare to lose sight of the shore. For now, click on this link below- it will inspire you to fight on until victory is achieved. You can be a Winner at life!

Stay Blessed!
Joyce


The Don't Quit Poem (Inspirationalvideos-youtube.com)

How To Conquer The Holiday Blues

“Once again the holidays are upon us, which means it's time for festive partying with friends and family, sharing gifts and laughter -- and getting depressed. That's right. For many people, the holidays bring on feelings of sadness and anxiety that can be hard to shake.
According to the National Mental Health Association, reasons for feeling blue around the holidays are numerous. They range from fatigue -- a result of all of the increased holiday activity -- to financial limitations and family tensions. Experts say one of the fastest routes to holiday depression is unrealistic expectations…[1]
This article above has suggestions on how to cure the Holiday blues and includes a resource number for those suffering with depression. For my readers I have written an exercise below that will allow you to focus on eternal things of value and substance that will last long after the decorations have been taken down. I personally guarantee that my HOLIDAY BLUES EXERCISE will increase your endorphin levels, lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, cause you to lose weight and put a smile on your face as well as someone’s else.


Honor this season by giving love, joy, peace and forgiveness to others.
Open your heart to a stranger and find a way to be a Good Samaritan.
Listen to music that relaxes you. Take a warm candle lit bath.
Increase your intake of water, fruits, vegetables and protein and decrease your carbohydrates.[2]
Delight yourself in the Lord; write down the blessings that He has given you.
Act like this is your last day on Earth. Write down your goals and action plan for next year.
Yearn to leave a legacy that will empower others to prosper and experience peace on earth.

Bless others by giving away good clothes in your closet that you know you can’t or won't wear.
Lend a hand at a homeless shelter; donate time at a food kitchen.
Unpack the negative images in your mind by writing a list of people you forgive.
Enjoy the outside; take a walk along a nature trail or in the park.
Sing songs that uplift your spirit and focus on positive life affirming thoughts.

Remember to have fun, rest, count your blessings and remember that Jesus is the reason for the season. You can be a Winner at life!

Stay Blessed!
Joyce
[1] http://www.umm.edu/features/holiday_blues.htm
[2] http://www.namastecafe.com/edu/body_signal.htm

Happiness Is Something I Choose In Advance...

Thank you my friends for responding. I want to pass along an email (by "migg1012- youtube.com) that was forwarded to me. It is very profound. I understand why it is said that life is wasted on the youth. The wise and aged have a lot to teach us- they have wisdom and we have seemingly unlimited energy, time and creativity. We must learn how to properly exchange our gifts and talents so that when the baton of life is passed the wisdom of the ages is not lost. Click on this link below and take a tour through this short video and you will see what I mean. Learn from this “Wise Old Man” how you can be a Winner at Life!
Stay Blessed!
Joyce

Finding Inner Peace in the Midst of the Storm

I make a choice today to make it a good one! I start out by counting my blessings and expressing thanks for the little things in life: eyesight, health, family, friends, food, clothing and shelter. Guess what- I’m truly blessed! Let’s choose today to focus on the positive and make a decision to share what you have. It can be as simple as calling up someone who will be alone during the holidays and inviting them over for dinner.

Don’t worry about trying to solve the global warming issue, gang violence, crime, pollution, unemployment, the high foreclosure rate, or who you should or shouldn’t buy a Christmas present for. If what you do today does not come from the heart, it’s all for naught. Today is the only day you have, so make it a good one! Don’t let the sun set without doing one small act of kindness for someone today. You can be a Winner at life!

Stay Blessed!
Joyce