So, I know I said that I haven't found any quotes lately, but I just checked my email and my dad sent me a devotional with an amazing quote that I'd like to share with all of you.
"I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God."
Max Lucado
That brings another amazing quote to mind, "A person's a person, no matter how small."
Horton Hears a Who (Dr. Seuss)
Spread the love everyone!
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Long Time No See
Yes,I know. I have been slacking on my blogging. Unfortunately, this is the time of year when my life gets kicked into overdrive and I barely have time to sleep let alone keep up with my blog. I've actually never really been any good at keeping a daily journal or log of events. For some reason I feel like there's too much pressure in trying to find the most important things to mention from the day.
Anyway, as usual, I digress from my point. I also haven't really been able to find any motivational readings or quotes since most of my time revolves around reading the required texts for school and such, but don't loose all hope just yet. In fact, just yesterday I borrowed a book from the school library entitled: Blood of Brothers (Life and War in Nicaragua) by Stephen Kinzer. As you already know (or at least I sincerely hope that you do) I have been accepted to go on an amazing service learning delegation to Nicaragua through Montclair State University and Witness For Peace. Part of the process of preparing for the visit is to not only raise the funds through community involvement, but to also become emotionally and mentally prepared. A past delegation member has highly recommended this book to all of us current members in an effort to help us understand what to expect and sort of a guide on how to approach this wonderful educational opportunity. I already know that this experience will profoundly change my life, but I'm not sure I fully realize to what extent and in what areas I will be effected.
I think this book will really open my eyes to a whole new realm of Nicaragua and America. On the back of the book there are the usual positive reviews from several media sources. The last one really caught my attention. It read, "Reads like a cloak-and-dagger thriller...A very timely warning of what can happen when America abuses its power" said by Jim Miller in Newsweek. That statement really intrigued me and made me start to wonder how often do we abuse the power that we have in our own lives? Power is a double edged sword. Although it can be used in positive ways, more often it is abused and used to somebody's advantage over somebody else. I think Abraham Lincoln sums it up the best, "Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." I hope you understand the message he's trying to convey here, because it's one of the most important ones to learn.
Anyway, as usual, I digress from my point. I also haven't really been able to find any motivational readings or quotes since most of my time revolves around reading the required texts for school and such, but don't loose all hope just yet. In fact, just yesterday I borrowed a book from the school library entitled: Blood of Brothers (Life and War in Nicaragua) by Stephen Kinzer. As you already know (or at least I sincerely hope that you do) I have been accepted to go on an amazing service learning delegation to Nicaragua through Montclair State University and Witness For Peace. Part of the process of preparing for the visit is to not only raise the funds through community involvement, but to also become emotionally and mentally prepared. A past delegation member has highly recommended this book to all of us current members in an effort to help us understand what to expect and sort of a guide on how to approach this wonderful educational opportunity. I already know that this experience will profoundly change my life, but I'm not sure I fully realize to what extent and in what areas I will be effected.
I think this book will really open my eyes to a whole new realm of Nicaragua and America. On the back of the book there are the usual positive reviews from several media sources. The last one really caught my attention. It read, "Reads like a cloak-and-dagger thriller...A very timely warning of what can happen when America abuses its power" said by Jim Miller in Newsweek. That statement really intrigued me and made me start to wonder how often do we abuse the power that we have in our own lives? Power is a double edged sword. Although it can be used in positive ways, more often it is abused and used to somebody's advantage over somebody else. I think Abraham Lincoln sums it up the best, "Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." I hope you understand the message he's trying to convey here, because it's one of the most important ones to learn.
Monday, September 6, 2010
PROJECT AK-47
Today, I'd like to introduce all of you to an organization that I was immediately drawn to. While at a music festival called Revelation Generation in Frenchtown, NJ I noticed a table setup entitled: Project AK-47. Immediately the name caught my attention and interest, because I was pretty sure that was a name of a gun and it seemed pretty out of place at a Christian venue. So, naturally I got curious and wanted to know more about this mystery table setup, so I approached the table with an open mind. When I arrived I was seriously blown away by what I found. This organization fights against (as their flyer states)"one of the cruelest forms of modern-day slavery: the exploitation of children as soldiers. We rescue and defend these children where few (if any) organizations are involved: the war zones of Southeast Asia and Latin America." I never really realized what a vast global issue child soldiers were before! Their slogan " A kid or killer" really impacted me a lot, because what a terrible life that must be for those children that had no choice, but to accept this terrible life that was chosen for them. Many of these children are orphans that were stolen, raped, striped of their clothes, names, and all of their human dignity. They are given numbers instead of names, military training, and mostly likley AK-47's to use in combat. Project AK-47's mission sounds so simple, to rescue and rehabilitate child soldiers, but the reality is much more complicated. Their professional staff negotiatates and bargains for the release of child soldiers, which are then treated with the dignity and respect that they deserve. After they are diplomatically rescued the children are immediately rehabilitated both physically and mentally. Then once they are ready they are reintergrated into their local communities. They don't remove them from their countries, because they believe that these children need to rise up to set an example for the next generation that there is hope and a real chance for lasting changes!
I STRONGLY urge all of you to muscle up the strength to not just visit their website, but to acutally make an effort to take actions to stand up against this kind of pure evil that lurks in all the dark corners of the world. These children don't deserve to be where they are and they don't deserve to be ignored, by people who can help them. Please do your part! Here's a link to their "Get Involved" page.
http://www.projectak47.com/getinvolved.aspx#divtab1
There's plenty of options. I personally bought a dogtag, so that I could use it to jump start conversations about the project. I also thought it would be a great physical reminder to remember to pray for these children. I definitely plan on becoming further involved in this organization by make more donations and perhaps having some type of fundraising event on their behalf. I hope that you become as enraged and empowered as I have become and that you will stand beside me and "fight" such worldly injustices that thwart every human's right to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happniess!" Thanks for your time and God bless.
PS: I just wanted to mention what a blessing it was to see so many various social outreach efforts that were infecting all different types of people in need in varous parts of the world! People are out there making a difference whether you believe it or not! Don't just sit around dreaming. Be a part of the change that you want to see!!!
I STRONGLY urge all of you to muscle up the strength to not just visit their website, but to acutally make an effort to take actions to stand up against this kind of pure evil that lurks in all the dark corners of the world. These children don't deserve to be where they are and they don't deserve to be ignored, by people who can help them. Please do your part! Here's a link to their "Get Involved" page.
http://www.projectak47.com/getinvolved.aspx#divtab1
There's plenty of options. I personally bought a dogtag, so that I could use it to jump start conversations about the project. I also thought it would be a great physical reminder to remember to pray for these children. I definitely plan on becoming further involved in this organization by make more donations and perhaps having some type of fundraising event on their behalf. I hope that you become as enraged and empowered as I have become and that you will stand beside me and "fight" such worldly injustices that thwart every human's right to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happniess!" Thanks for your time and God bless.
PS: I just wanted to mention what a blessing it was to see so many various social outreach efforts that were infecting all different types of people in need in varous parts of the world! People are out there making a difference whether you believe it or not! Don't just sit around dreaming. Be a part of the change that you want to see!!!
Monday, August 30, 2010
One Can Make a Difference
I went to Borders the other day. I'm one of those people that actually enjoys browsing the shelves for random books, having a large hot chai tea latte, finding a large comfy chair, and to camp out reading some of the books for an hour or so. I don't know why, but I just enjoy reading in silence amongst lots of people. That's why I just absolutely love libraries! I love the thought of being surrounded by people that are on a pursuit for knowledge. Acquiring knowledge amongst others really motivates me to strive for more. Some how I feel compelled to read more, think more, and produce better literary works. I don't know why, but when I'm around other people that are also in deep thought, I feel that I am able to absorb some of their brain power and energy. It's the silliest thought, but for some reason I feel that we can actually feed off of each others' mental energies. It may not happen in the literal sense, but then again why not? If I do actually feel smarter and work harder then aren't those physical manifestations of acquired brain power and energy? I may not actually acquire it from another's brain, but if they are the catalyst for the change, then in a way they are responsible for the change. Okay, I'm going off on a crazy tangent, but I just had to get that off my mind. Thanks!
Anyways, what I really want to focus on today is a book that I actually bought the other day during one of my weekly adventures in Borders. Somehow while on-line I came across a book entitled, "One Can Make a Difference" by Ingrid E Newkirk and Jane Ratcliffe. It is a collection of original stories and essays by people that have influenced and made important changes to different facets of the world. It includes works by: The Dalai Lama, Paul McCartney, Willie Nelson, Russell Simmons, Martina Navratilova, Ravi Shankar, Oliver Stone, etc. One of my favorite essays (so far) is from Sharon Gannon who started Jivamukti Yoga School. Here are a few quotes from her chapter:
"Now I began to realize that ideas, even great ones, were not enough to change the world or to change my own life. Whatever I wanted to see in the world around me had to first become real in my own body right down to the molecular level."
"The practices of yoga refine your perception so that you see yourself as one with the whole. As a gentle, but potent, reminder to myself to keep Alaha (means all that is) in the forefront of my mind, everyday I wake up and chant: May all be happy and free. May all beings everywhere be happy and free and may the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life contribute in some way to that happiness and to that freedom for all."
"There's power inherent in our own speech. If we say we want everyone to be happy, then we have to question everything that we do, how we live, how we eat, what we buy, how we speak. The best way to uplift our own lives is to do all we can to uplift the lives of others."
"Whatever you want in this life you can have if you first provide it for someone else. Work for the freedom of others, and you yourself will become free. Don't wait for a better world. Start now to create a world of harmony and peace. IT IS UP TO YOU. IT ALWAYS HAS BEEN!"
I hope these words encourage you as much as they have encouraged me! Please feel free to respond and post your own favorite quotes! I'd love to read them.
P.S. Anyone know of a good beginners yoga studio around the Bergen county area in Jersey?
Anyways, what I really want to focus on today is a book that I actually bought the other day during one of my weekly adventures in Borders. Somehow while on-line I came across a book entitled, "One Can Make a Difference" by Ingrid E Newkirk and Jane Ratcliffe. It is a collection of original stories and essays by people that have influenced and made important changes to different facets of the world. It includes works by: The Dalai Lama, Paul McCartney, Willie Nelson, Russell Simmons, Martina Navratilova, Ravi Shankar, Oliver Stone, etc. One of my favorite essays (so far) is from Sharon Gannon who started Jivamukti Yoga School. Here are a few quotes from her chapter:
"Now I began to realize that ideas, even great ones, were not enough to change the world or to change my own life. Whatever I wanted to see in the world around me had to first become real in my own body right down to the molecular level."
"The practices of yoga refine your perception so that you see yourself as one with the whole. As a gentle, but potent, reminder to myself to keep Alaha (means all that is) in the forefront of my mind, everyday I wake up and chant: May all be happy and free. May all beings everywhere be happy and free and may the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life contribute in some way to that happiness and to that freedom for all."
"There's power inherent in our own speech. If we say we want everyone to be happy, then we have to question everything that we do, how we live, how we eat, what we buy, how we speak. The best way to uplift our own lives is to do all we can to uplift the lives of others."
"Whatever you want in this life you can have if you first provide it for someone else. Work for the freedom of others, and you yourself will become free. Don't wait for a better world. Start now to create a world of harmony and peace. IT IS UP TO YOU. IT ALWAYS HAS BEEN!"
I hope these words encourage you as much as they have encouraged me! Please feel free to respond and post your own favorite quotes! I'd love to read them.
P.S. Anyone know of a good beginners yoga studio around the Bergen county area in Jersey?
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Our Deepest Fear...
Today has been one of the most amazingly uplifting and empowering days that I have ever experienced. Every where I turned today I came into contact with something profoundly encouraging and inspirational. I'd like to offer you the same privilege now...
Have you ever seen the movie Coach Carter? I never did, but I ran into this one part of the movie on YouTube that quotes Marianne Williamson's "Our Deepest Fear." I seriously have no further words to share on the subject, other than the actual quote. You'll understand what I mean after you've read it!
Our Deepest Fear
By, Marianne Williamson
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness
That most frightens us.
We ask ourselves
Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small
Does not serve the world.
There's nothing enlightened about shrinking
So that other people won't feel insecure around you.
We are all meant to shine,
As children do.
We were born to make manifest
The glory of God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us;
It's in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine,
We unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we're liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others.
Have you ever seen the movie Coach Carter? I never did, but I ran into this one part of the movie on YouTube that quotes Marianne Williamson's "Our Deepest Fear." I seriously have no further words to share on the subject, other than the actual quote. You'll understand what I mean after you've read it!
Our Deepest Fear
By, Marianne Williamson
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness
That most frightens us.
We ask ourselves
Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small
Does not serve the world.
There's nothing enlightened about shrinking
So that other people won't feel insecure around you.
We are all meant to shine,
As children do.
We were born to make manifest
The glory of God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us;
It's in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine,
We unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we're liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others.
Will's Wisdom
I was just talking to a real good friend of mine that I've known for years, who's always been an amazing inspiration to me. He showed me this video of Will Smith and it just blew me away. I will never view Will Smith the same way again. This video just struck a chord within me and I hope that it motivates and moves you the same way it has for me. May you be blessed!
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Money Update
It is now August and my funds have come to a complete halt at $950. That's just $50 shy of my summertime goal of $1000. Thank you everyone so much for your prayers and donations. I really am so thankful. I still need another grand, so if you haven't donated yet, please consider doing so. THANK YOU EVERYONE! I hope you're all having an amazing summer like I am.
Fundraising Ideas
Fundraising Ideas
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Camp Taconic Tween Camp
Wow, what a week it has been! It has been several years since I have been on that sacred ground and I can't even begin to explain it in words, but some how every time I set foot on Camp Taconic something inside of me becomes restored and made whole again. There's just something so wonderful about that place. I just feel so blessed to have been able to hang out with such amazing tweens, counselors, CITs, pastors, staff, volunteers, and of course the ENC summer ministry guys. I truly want to thank the ENC team, because not only are they pretty cool dudes, but also because music is one the best ways I know how to communicate with God and I really appreciated their talents. Their worship was truly spirit filled. So, a huge thank you to them. Another huge THANK YOU to my Amazingly Awesome Praying Penguins!!! Woot Woot! My campers made my time at camp so easy. They were the best group ever and I feel so priviledged, amazed, happy, humbled, blessed, proud, and hopeful, because of them. I hope that I did the same for them or at least they were able to witness God's love for them at some point during the week. I also want to thank my co-counselor Persis for being so much fun, organized, patient, understanding, and waking me up pretty much everyday. You have such a fun spirit and I'm glad to have met you! Thank you to our Chapel leader Janet who made our chapels both fun and meaningful. The Indiana Jones hat was a nice touch by the way! haha Overall, the week was amazing. I have made some many more incredible memories of that place and I can't wait to do it all again with the Senior High kids. This should be interesting!! So, keep me and those campers in your prayers!
Oh, one really special moment that I would like to share is when I walked in to training and saw one of my campers from like 5 years ago volunteering as a kid's camp counselor! It was such a cool thing to see and I'm really happy to know that she's be influenced in such a positive way by the camp that she now wants to give back herself. It makes me feel so blessed and that I can be used in powerful and mighty ways. All I have to do is just head His voice and allow myself to be used. Well, I literally have to go drive back now before I'm late for training, but I wanted to make sure I blogged a little something before I left. Love, Peace, and blessings!
Oh, one really special moment that I would like to share is when I walked in to training and saw one of my campers from like 5 years ago volunteering as a kid's camp counselor! It was such a cool thing to see and I'm really happy to know that she's be influenced in such a positive way by the camp that she now wants to give back herself. It makes me feel so blessed and that I can be used in powerful and mighty ways. All I have to do is just head His voice and allow myself to be used. Well, I literally have to go drive back now before I'm late for training, but I wanted to make sure I blogged a little something before I left. Love, Peace, and blessings!
Sunday, July 11, 2010
MONEY!!!
As always a HUGE Thank You to all my financial supporters. You guys are so amazing, but I am starting to see a decline in the amount of donations :( I'm only at $900 which is a little less than half way to my goal. Please please please give if you can! If you know of ways to raise money please let me know. I'm willing to try any method at least once.
Fundraising Ideas
Fundraising Ideas
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Just Who Will You Be?
Maria Shriver once wrote a speech for her godson's graduation. It was so well received by the students and their parents that she ended up making the speech into a book, which my mother gave to me when I graduated from HS in 2004. I remembered it being a really awesome thought provoking speech, but I forgot until today just how important and pertinent it really was and still is. Recently, I just re bought the book to give as a graduation present to my friend. But before I give it to him of course I had to reread it myself! So, tonight I reread the book that impacted me 6 years prior and still even more so strikes a chord with me today. I'd like to share with you some of my favorite parts:
"What do you want to be famous for? When you try to answer that question, please set your sights high-because you can be famous for doing something great in this world, something that matters, something that makes life better.
You can use your fame to inspire people and give them HOPE. I think now more than ever we need famous people with integrity, character, and vision-people who want to lead, who want to change the world and make it more peaceful, HOPEFUL, and compassionate place, a place where more people feel accepted and valued for who they are."
"Allow me to challenge you to think about ... what you believe. Look at what you believe, in order to find out who you will become. In truth, that's the most important question we can all ask ourselves throughout our lives: "What do I believe-and what do I want to be? Answering that question is crucial, because what you believe is the foundation upon which you build yourself as you continue to grow."
"What is my truth?..."
"We're supposed to grow and evolve. We have to give ourselves the permission and freedom to stay open to change...I'm talking about letting life's experiences affect you and mature you. I'm talking about going down deep and finding out where you're at and where you need to go next."
Those are just a few of my favorite quotes from the book. I think the reason why I really love her book is because it just encompasses my life philosophy of really knowing who you are, what you're about, what you really believe in, what makes you tick, your feelings, your strengths, your weaknesses, etc. That's what I want my next tattoo to be "Know Thyself" and "Be Thyself" It's so important to understand Who you are, because it spreads all over into every other aspect of your life. And if you don't like one of your habits, your attitude, your flaws, etc. it's not the end all and be all. You have time to change yourself! That's probably one of the best things I've learned this past year: That I have a choice about who I am, how I act, and what I believe. Life doesn't control me. I control my life. I know most of these words are not mine in this post, but they've changed my life in a pretty profound way. I hope I can do the same for somebody else. Do yourself a favor and pick up "Just Who Will You Be" By Maria Shriver.
Peace and love!
"What do you want to be famous for? When you try to answer that question, please set your sights high-because you can be famous for doing something great in this world, something that matters, something that makes life better.
You can use your fame to inspire people and give them HOPE. I think now more than ever we need famous people with integrity, character, and vision-people who want to lead, who want to change the world and make it more peaceful, HOPEFUL, and compassionate place, a place where more people feel accepted and valued for who they are."
"Allow me to challenge you to think about ... what you believe. Look at what you believe, in order to find out who you will become. In truth, that's the most important question we can all ask ourselves throughout our lives: "What do I believe-and what do I want to be? Answering that question is crucial, because what you believe is the foundation upon which you build yourself as you continue to grow."
"What is my truth?..."
"We're supposed to grow and evolve. We have to give ourselves the permission and freedom to stay open to change...I'm talking about letting life's experiences affect you and mature you. I'm talking about going down deep and finding out where you're at and where you need to go next."
Those are just a few of my favorite quotes from the book. I think the reason why I really love her book is because it just encompasses my life philosophy of really knowing who you are, what you're about, what you really believe in, what makes you tick, your feelings, your strengths, your weaknesses, etc. That's what I want my next tattoo to be "Know Thyself" and "Be Thyself" It's so important to understand Who you are, because it spreads all over into every other aspect of your life. And if you don't like one of your habits, your attitude, your flaws, etc. it's not the end all and be all. You have time to change yourself! That's probably one of the best things I've learned this past year: That I have a choice about who I am, how I act, and what I believe. Life doesn't control me. I control my life. I know most of these words are not mine in this post, but they've changed my life in a pretty profound way. I hope I can do the same for somebody else. Do yourself a favor and pick up "Just Who Will You Be" By Maria Shriver.
Peace and love!
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