When I was 16 I was very active in my church. I went to the LDS church in Southern Alberta. My mom was the Laurels leader, which was my class in Young Womens. Every week, with every lesson she wanted to give us something inspiring to take home and help us remember the point to the lesson. Now at the time we both were in love with the movie "Coach Carter." The inspiration to be the best that you can was very touching to us both. The next lesson that we were scheduled to have was called "Letting your light shine..."
In the movie, near the end when Coach Carter comes to clean out his office after the school said that basketball was more important then good grades, there is a part that makes me cry. Timo Cruz was a troubled player. He lived a harsh life and everyday Coach Carter asked him "What are you afraid of boy?" The entire movie he pushes Coach Carter away and finally at the end, he knows what he is afraid of.
He quotes someone very special. Someone who suffered for years in prison. Nelson Mandela.
"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. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about
shrinking so that other people wont feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. Its not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
This quote truly has touched my life, and it meant a great deal when my mother
handed the quote out in class. Reminding all the 16 and 17 year olds to not be afraid of who we truly are. Let your true self shine and no matter what others say, it will be the best thing. We need not fear others and what they say, for if we stand up for what we believe and think and who we are, then there would be no problem that we couldn't handle.
As a woman in 2011, it is truly hard to be true to yourself with all the pressure that there is. Makeup, working out, education, motherhood, friends, social activities, cooking... Everyday you are told that a real woman is this or that. How many of these woman are truly happy in their lives?
I encourage everyone, and especially all the young woman, to be true to the real you. Stand up for who you are. Don't let someone walk over your beliefs and tell you what to do. If you don't want to do something then don't. It is as simple as that. Just say NO!
Remember that out there is someone who will always appreciate the real you. They won't hate you for your mistakes, they will love you in spite of them.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
ROYAL WEDDING WEEK!!!
I can't help but feel excited about Prince William and Kate Middleton getting married this week. I have set the PVR and am counting down to the wedding of the decade. I have watched the wedding of Charles to Diana Spencer many times and I can't help but hope that the royal family has learned some things since Diana.
We all have seen pictures of the famous Royal Wedding of Charles Prince of Wales to Lady Diana Spencer. Her dress with its incredibly long train and her glittering family Spencer tiara. Her youth is very clear as she was not yet the style icon she later on became.
I hope that the press and the country doesn't continue to link the similarities of Kate to Diana. They are so different from each other. Of course if you look at the pictures you can see some clothing items are very similar but the personalities of the two women are so different. Diana seemed to be drowning when she married Charles. She was not prepared for the life she would have to lead and she was not the typical woman that royalty wanted. She wasn't going to sit aside and let tradition dictate to her what she was allowed to do. She was open about her feelings and that she was going to do what she wanted to do. She broke years of tradition and fought for what she believed things should be. She had been raised in the Aristocratic world and in my opinion, was not a fan of tradition. She was screaming for a modern life, where she was allowed to do what she wanted, raise her children how she saw fit. She wanted a husband who loved her and wanted to give her all the happiness she deserved. Yet what she got was a man who only married her to get married and satisfy his family.
I cant even help but notice that the love William and Kate have is real. It is passionate and simple. Kate knows that she will have a big role and she is preparing to do so. She has never shown immaturity like Diana did at times. But then again she does have 10 years more experience then Diana did.
I wish them all the luck in the world.
We all have seen pictures of the famous Royal Wedding of Charles Prince of Wales to Lady Diana Spencer. Her dress with its incredibly long train and her glittering family Spencer tiara. Her youth is very clear as she was not yet the style icon she later on became.
I hope that the press and the country doesn't continue to link the similarities of Kate to Diana. They are so different from each other. Of course if you look at the pictures you can see some clothing items are very similar but the personalities of the two women are so different. Diana seemed to be drowning when she married Charles. She was not prepared for the life she would have to lead and she was not the typical woman that royalty wanted. She wasn't going to sit aside and let tradition dictate to her what she was allowed to do. She was open about her feelings and that she was going to do what she wanted to do. She broke years of tradition and fought for what she believed things should be. She had been raised in the Aristocratic world and in my opinion, was not a fan of tradition. She was screaming for a modern life, where she was allowed to do what she wanted, raise her children how she saw fit. She wanted a husband who loved her and wanted to give her all the happiness she deserved. Yet what she got was a man who only married her to get married and satisfy his family.
I cant even help but notice that the love William and Kate have is real. It is passionate and simple. Kate knows that she will have a big role and she is preparing to do so. She has never shown immaturity like Diana did at times. But then again she does have 10 years more experience then Diana did.
I wish them all the luck in the world.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
FIREWORK...!!!!
I truly feel that this song is about everyone. We all have something to offer and we all need to let it shine. This year I make this song my theme.
Firework lyrics
Songwriters: Dean, Esther; Eriksen, Mikkel; Hermansen, Tor Erik; Perry, Katy; Wilhelm, Sandy Julien;
Do you ever feel like a plastic bag
Drifting through the wind, wanting to start again?
Do you ever feel, feel so paper thin
Like a house of cards, one blow from caving in?
Do you ever feel already buried deep?
Six feet under screams but no one seems to hear a thing
Do you know that there's still a chance for you
'Cause there's a spark in you?
You just gotta ignite the light and let it shine
Just own the night like the 4th of July
'Cause baby, you're a firework
Come on, show 'em what you're worth
Make 'em go, oh
As you shoot across the sky
Baby, you're a firework
Come on, let your colors burst
Make 'em go, oh
You're gonna leave 'em falling down
You don't have to feel like a waste of space
You're original, cannot be replaced
If you only knew what the future holds
After a hurricane comes a rainbow
Maybe you're reason why all the doors are closed
[ From: http://www.elyrics.net/read/k/katy-perry-lyrics/firework-lyrics.html ]
So you could open one that leads you to the perfect road
Like a lightning bolt, your heart will blow
And when it's time, you'll know
You just gotta ignite the light and let it shine
Just own the night like the 4th of July
'Cause baby you're a firework
Come on, show 'em what you're worth
Make 'em go, oh
As you shoot across the sky
Baby, you're a firework
Come on, let your colors burst
Make 'em go, oh
You're gonna leave 'em falling down
Boom, boom, boom
Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon
It's always been inside of you, you, you
And now it's time to let it through
'Cause baby you're a firework
Come on, show 'em what you're worth
Make 'em go, oh
As you shoot across the sky
Baby, you're a firework
Come on, let your colors burst
Make 'em go, oh
You're gonna leave 'em falling down
Boom, boom, boom
Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon
Boom, boom, boom
Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon
Firework lyrics
Songwriters: Dean, Esther; Eriksen, Mikkel; Hermansen, Tor Erik; Perry, Katy; Wilhelm, Sandy Julien;
Do you ever feel like a plastic bag
Drifting through the wind, wanting to start again?
Do you ever feel, feel so paper thin
Like a house of cards, one blow from caving in?
Do you ever feel already buried deep?
Six feet under screams but no one seems to hear a thing
Do you know that there's still a chance for you
'Cause there's a spark in you?
You just gotta ignite the light and let it shine
Just own the night like the 4th of July
'Cause baby, you're a firework
Come on, show 'em what you're worth
Make 'em go, oh
As you shoot across the sky
Baby, you're a firework
Come on, let your colors burst
Make 'em go, oh
You're gonna leave 'em falling down
You don't have to feel like a waste of space
You're original, cannot be replaced
If you only knew what the future holds
After a hurricane comes a rainbow
Maybe you're reason why all the doors are closed
[ From: http://www.elyrics.net/read/k/katy-perry-lyrics/firework-lyrics.html ]
So you could open one that leads you to the perfect road
Like a lightning bolt, your heart will blow
And when it's time, you'll know
You just gotta ignite the light and let it shine
Just own the night like the 4th of July
'Cause baby you're a firework
Come on, show 'em what you're worth
Make 'em go, oh
As you shoot across the sky
Baby, you're a firework
Come on, let your colors burst
Make 'em go, oh
You're gonna leave 'em falling down
Boom, boom, boom
Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon
It's always been inside of you, you, you
And now it's time to let it through
'Cause baby you're a firework
Come on, show 'em what you're worth
Make 'em go, oh
As you shoot across the sky
Baby, you're a firework
Come on, let your colors burst
Make 'em go, oh
You're gonna leave 'em falling down
Boom, boom, boom
Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon
Boom, boom, boom
Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Birth Mothers Appreciation
As I was part of a birth mothers class, I know just how important the relationships that you make with those other girls truly are. It gives you the reassurance that you are not the only one who makes mistakes and that you are not in this alone. My pregnancy was incredibly difficult and if it wasn't for my mother, Frankie, and the class, I believe I would have really lost it.
I ran across a blog called Birth Mother Baskets the other day and it truly touched me. The appreciation and care that they are showing these girls is so deep and sincere. I wish it was available in Canada.
So since I was once in the BM shoes, I know just how hard it is. The emotional stress that you go through. Even though we kept Michael in the end, the stress of that choice was just as difficult. I had to hurt people who were so excited, their entire family was waiting for our son, yet we couldn't let him go. My family was very upset about it as well as they all felt like the adoptive family had lost a child.
I came up with an idea. An idea that I find perfect since it will not only be for the girls who place their children, but will be there for all the girls no matter what they do, except abortion. I contacted the other girls from my class, Dallas and Megan, and they have both agreed to help me out and they both seemed super excited. My family is going to be joining as well, as part of my family charity project. Project: Angels Keep.
What we will be doing it putting together things that will help with the adjustment process. We are gathering personal testimonials from girls who have placed for adoption, chosen single parenting, or they are raising the baby with the father. We will collect quotes, songs, books, journals, products for pampering, gift certificates, and for the mothers that are keeping we will give them gift certificates for places like Wal- Mart and Superstore and baby clothing stores to help with the cost of raising and feeding a child. Every basket will be filled with love and with things from people who have experienced these things before. We might even go in and talk to the girls and share our stories with them.
The project is called Birth Mothers Appreciation. Since every girl in the class will be giving birth, I consider them all Birth Mothers. No matter what, even if they keep or place for adoption.
If you wish to share your story, or you have quotes or songs that will be appropriate please contact the group at
BirthMotherAppreciation@groups.facebook.com
I ran across a blog called Birth Mother Baskets the other day and it truly touched me. The appreciation and care that they are showing these girls is so deep and sincere. I wish it was available in Canada.
So since I was once in the BM shoes, I know just how hard it is. The emotional stress that you go through. Even though we kept Michael in the end, the stress of that choice was just as difficult. I had to hurt people who were so excited, their entire family was waiting for our son, yet we couldn't let him go. My family was very upset about it as well as they all felt like the adoptive family had lost a child.
I came up with an idea. An idea that I find perfect since it will not only be for the girls who place their children, but will be there for all the girls no matter what they do, except abortion. I contacted the other girls from my class, Dallas and Megan, and they have both agreed to help me out and they both seemed super excited. My family is going to be joining as well, as part of my family charity project. Project: Angels Keep.
What we will be doing it putting together things that will help with the adjustment process. We are gathering personal testimonials from girls who have placed for adoption, chosen single parenting, or they are raising the baby with the father. We will collect quotes, songs, books, journals, products for pampering, gift certificates, and for the mothers that are keeping we will give them gift certificates for places like Wal- Mart and Superstore and baby clothing stores to help with the cost of raising and feeding a child. Every basket will be filled with love and with things from people who have experienced these things before. We might even go in and talk to the girls and share our stories with them.
The project is called Birth Mothers Appreciation. Since every girl in the class will be giving birth, I consider them all Birth Mothers. No matter what, even if they keep or place for adoption.
If you wish to share your story, or you have quotes or songs that will be appropriate please contact the group at
BirthMotherAppreciation@groups.facebook.com
ONE COUPLE, ONE ANGEL, ONE HEART
A couple is sealed at the alter, for time and eternity
With a love that will not falter.
A couple begins their journey through life,
To start a family becomes their great strife.
A child is conceived within the womb,
A child passes on only to soon.
A couple continues to shed tear after tear, for conceiving,
Another child takes year after year.
A couple then journeys down another path,
Perhaps not flesh nor of bone but
In the end, still their own.
An angel appears from out of the blue,
With something precious and dear
That nobody knew.
A couple meets the angel feeling extremely grateful,
For an angel’s prayers are answered because
She was faithful.
One heart binds them both after meeting a short while,
A couple, an angel, a love for one child.
From God’s arms, to yours, to mine it will be.
An angel is blessed for God’s eyes will see.
One couple, one angel joined at the heart,
A child doubly loved and blessed from the start.
An angel who set forth the last puzzle piece,
For a couple, a child, a love that will never cease.
To learn more about Birth Mother Baskets please copy and paste the link.
http://birthmotherbaskets.blogspot.com/
With a love that will not falter.
A couple begins their journey through life,
To start a family becomes their great strife.
A child is conceived within the womb,
A child passes on only to soon.
A couple continues to shed tear after tear, for conceiving,
Another child takes year after year.
A couple then journeys down another path,
Perhaps not flesh nor of bone but
In the end, still their own.
An angel appears from out of the blue,
With something precious and dear
That nobody knew.
A couple meets the angel feeling extremely grateful,
For an angel’s prayers are answered because
She was faithful.
One heart binds them both after meeting a short while,
A couple, an angel, a love for one child.
From God’s arms, to yours, to mine it will be.
An angel is blessed for God’s eyes will see.
One couple, one angel joined at the heart,
A child doubly loved and blessed from the start.
An angel who set forth the last puzzle piece,
For a couple, a child, a love that will never cease.
To learn more about Birth Mother Baskets please copy and paste the link.
http://birthmotherbaskets.blogspot.com/
My Little Butterfly
You were finally here,
My little butterfly.
You were placed in my arms,
And I couldn’t help but cry.
You were so precious so beautiful.
I stared at you with pride.
Your hands so tiny,
Your eyes so bright.
You were finally here,
My little butterfly.
And I knew it would be hard
To say goodbye.
I cried for you at night.
How could I let my
Little butterfly go?
Then I thought of the new world
You will see.
Of the loving parents that will
Take care of thee.
And I felt peace.
You were finally here,
My little butterfly.
And no matter how hard it is,
I must say goodbye.
So, open your wings
And don’t be afraid to fly.
Fly away to a new life.
Where opportunities are
At every door.
And my love around every corner.
You were finally here,
My little butterfly.
But, quickly you left
To live your new life.
You’ll always be in my heart.
Your memory in my every thought.
Those tiny hands,
And bright eyes.
I will forever love you,
My Little Butterfly. © gina 2000
http://birthmotherbaskets.blogspot.com/
My little butterfly.
You were placed in my arms,
And I couldn’t help but cry.
You were so precious so beautiful.
I stared at you with pride.
Your hands so tiny,
Your eyes so bright.
You were finally here,
My little butterfly.
And I knew it would be hard
To say goodbye.
I cried for you at night.
How could I let my
Little butterfly go?
Then I thought of the new world
You will see.
Of the loving parents that will
Take care of thee.
And I felt peace.
You were finally here,
My little butterfly.
And no matter how hard it is,
I must say goodbye.
So, open your wings
And don’t be afraid to fly.
Fly away to a new life.
Where opportunities are
At every door.
And my love around every corner.
You were finally here,
My little butterfly.
But, quickly you left
To live your new life.
You’ll always be in my heart.
Your memory in my every thought.
Those tiny hands,
And bright eyes.
I will forever love you,
My Little Butterfly. © gina 2000
http://birthmotherbaskets.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Viva Obama By Bert Lorenzo
Obama beat McCain handsomely
so those who criticize my president should let him be
and show more respect for democracy.
The people voted for change
and change they should see
but it takes time to make new policy.
June 2009 he improved the economy.
Now everywhere I go I see people spending money.
He reduced unemployment.
Now concert halls, movie houses and sport stadia
sell-out for people’s enjoyment.
Things are fine
but people continue to whine.
They say he’s a Muslim
who secretly practices Islam.
And that he cares more for the lower classes
because he wants to raise the rich’s taxes.
And that he goes too far
when he supports building a mosque near that 9/11 scar.
I say he hasn’t gone far enough.
Obamacare should give us more stuff.
Rumor has it many doctors want to retire or quit.
They say Obama’s healthcare plan’s unfit.
But he should do everything he promised during his campaign
or those who voted for him
did so in vain.
Some who voted for him now feel remorse.
They fear things will get worse.
They elected the Messiah
but now turn their backs on a pariah.
They’ve abandoned hope so easily.
It says more about them
than about my president’s ability.
Constant criticism might make my president weary.
It can be such a bore.
But the critics should remember
in a democracy people should get what they ask for.
So viva Obama!
I still have hope he won’t abandon the fight
and make all that’s wrong in America right.
Copyright Bert Lorenzo, 2010
Monday, April 11, 2011
Saturday, April 9, 2011
"Sisters"...from heartache to happiness
A few days ago I got news about my dear sister and the sad situation that she finds herself in. It wasnt more then a year ago that I felt the pain and fear that she today is feeling. The relationships that I came to have and the love for two special women I met because of it.
I will not share my sisters story as it is still pretty new and I do not have her permission to share.
In February of 2010 I was introduced to two of the most influential, spiritual, amazing, brave, and compassionate women of my life. Dallas and Megan. The situation that brought us all together was not the prettiest and yet we found comfort in sharing our stories with eachother and knowing that all three of us could share something so precious, scary, tragic, and huge, together.
Dallas was so pretty. So young. She had so much ahead of her. I may be a few years older then her but in wisdom and bravery she is by far my elder. I remember thinking how she always made me feel so dumb. Not that she was trying. But a girl of 17 maybe 18 could sit in front of me and tell me her story of placing her son in the arms of his new mommy and barely have a break in her voice. She handled her adoption so well that I always did and still do find her to be a huge affect on my life. She is amazing. I remember when we told our stories to eachother. I was so shocked to find that regardless of the religious community we all live in and the way people gossip, she was still going to her regular high school and even attended her Graduation. Her braveness was so astonishing to me that I stood in awe of her. She carried this heavy burden and all the mistakes she had made in public and was not afraid of what others thought.
The day she came in after her son had been placed I was a mess. I was so afraid of the feelings it would bring up in me. I thought that she would be a mess as well. Yet when she walked into the room, she looked more like a woman, a mature woman with some wisdom and knowledge that I still had yet to learn. She approached the story with bravery and beauty. I felt a love for her that I had never felt for someone who wasn't my sister. She was so compassionate to my situation and her boyfriend offered to talk to Frankie about how the adoption was for him. I don't think I ever thanked her or him for the offer but I want to let her know how much that meant to me. Now today she is still an inspiration to me. She has moved on with her life but has not forgotten the past. I only hope that I can show this much courage and faith as a mother.
Megan was not much younger then me. Her story was one of courage. She had a situation that I had never dreamed of being in. I felt so much sadness when she told the story and yet so much amazement at how she was preparing to be a single mother. I appreciated all the things she would ask about in our class. She was so mature; so strong. I felt retarded next to her faith and willingness to work hard the rest of her life.
I left the class before her since Michael was born before her son, but not that long ago we had a play date. I was so happy to see how great she looked and how cute and funny her little Haven is. She updated me on what was going on and I have to say, again she amazed me at how great she is and at how far she is willing to go to do what is best for Haven and herself.
In my heart I will always love these two women and what they taught me. We may have met at the worst of times in our own lives but I will continue to love them as my sisters. I am looking forward to seeing the great futures they both have and the growth that will come from it.
So to Megan and Dallas. This is for you! Thank you both for being such inspiring and loving women. I am a better person today for having met you. I consider you both my sisters, since you both taught me so much about life and love.
I will not share my sisters story as it is still pretty new and I do not have her permission to share.
In February of 2010 I was introduced to two of the most influential, spiritual, amazing, brave, and compassionate women of my life. Dallas and Megan. The situation that brought us all together was not the prettiest and yet we found comfort in sharing our stories with eachother and knowing that all three of us could share something so precious, scary, tragic, and huge, together.
Dallas was so pretty. So young. She had so much ahead of her. I may be a few years older then her but in wisdom and bravery she is by far my elder. I remember thinking how she always made me feel so dumb. Not that she was trying. But a girl of 17 maybe 18 could sit in front of me and tell me her story of placing her son in the arms of his new mommy and barely have a break in her voice. She handled her adoption so well that I always did and still do find her to be a huge affect on my life. She is amazing. I remember when we told our stories to eachother. I was so shocked to find that regardless of the religious community we all live in and the way people gossip, she was still going to her regular high school and even attended her Graduation. Her braveness was so astonishing to me that I stood in awe of her. She carried this heavy burden and all the mistakes she had made in public and was not afraid of what others thought.
The day she came in after her son had been placed I was a mess. I was so afraid of the feelings it would bring up in me. I thought that she would be a mess as well. Yet when she walked into the room, she looked more like a woman, a mature woman with some wisdom and knowledge that I still had yet to learn. She approached the story with bravery and beauty. I felt a love for her that I had never felt for someone who wasn't my sister. She was so compassionate to my situation and her boyfriend offered to talk to Frankie about how the adoption was for him. I don't think I ever thanked her or him for the offer but I want to let her know how much that meant to me. Now today she is still an inspiration to me. She has moved on with her life but has not forgotten the past. I only hope that I can show this much courage and faith as a mother.
Megan was not much younger then me. Her story was one of courage. She had a situation that I had never dreamed of being in. I felt so much sadness when she told the story and yet so much amazement at how she was preparing to be a single mother. I appreciated all the things she would ask about in our class. She was so mature; so strong. I felt retarded next to her faith and willingness to work hard the rest of her life.
I left the class before her since Michael was born before her son, but not that long ago we had a play date. I was so happy to see how great she looked and how cute and funny her little Haven is. She updated me on what was going on and I have to say, again she amazed me at how great she is and at how far she is willing to go to do what is best for Haven and herself.
In my heart I will always love these two women and what they taught me. We may have met at the worst of times in our own lives but I will continue to love them as my sisters. I am looking forward to seeing the great futures they both have and the growth that will come from it.
So to Megan and Dallas. This is for you! Thank you both for being such inspiring and loving women. I am a better person today for having met you. I consider you both my sisters, since you both taught me so much about life and love.
"A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you just the way you are."
-- Author Unknown
Dallas Sloan
Megan Jolynn
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