Diary of a Content Black Woman

BREAKING NEWS: STEPHANIE TUBBS JONES DEAD AT AGE 58

noreply@blogger.com (Content Black Woman) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 18:46:00 +0000

EAST CLEVELAND, Ohio (AP) — A Cleveland Clinic official says Democratic U.S. Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones of Ohio has died.

Clinic spokeswoman Eileen Sheil says Tubbs Jones died at 6:12 p.m. Wednesday after suffering a brain hemorrhage caused by an aneurysm that burst and left her with limited brain function.

The 58-year-old Tubbs Jones was the first black woman to represent Ohio in Congress and a strong critic of the Iraq war. She suffered the hemorrhage while driving her car in her east side district Tuesday evening.

Tubbs Jones, a Democrat who has represented Ohio’s 11th District since 1999 and was chairwoman of the House’s ethics committee, suffered the aneurysm Tuesday night while driving near her hometown of Cleveland.

Tubbs Jones was scheduled to attend the Democratic National Convention next week as a superdelegate.

“Tuesday’s condition followed a full day of activity, including planning for an upcoming forum on electoral reform, scheduled for September 4, 2008 at Cleveland State University,” according to a statement released earlier Wednesday from her office. She was admitted to Huron Hospital.

Tubbs Jones was among the five black members who claimed committee chairmanships when the Democrats ascended to the majority in 2007.

The ethics chairmanship might be filled by Gene Green of Texas, the second-ranking Democrat on the panel.

A longtime ally of Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif., and a robust fundraiser for the party, Tubbs Jones was tapped for the ethics chairmanship instead of Alan B. Mollohan of West Virginia, who was the senior Democrat on the panel but had come under fire for questionable personal financial dealings.

Tubbs Jones also was a member of the powerful Ways and Means Committee, which writes tax, trade and health care policy. She got the seat in 2003 by publicly protesting that the panel had no African-American woman.

It was unclear who might be given Tubbs Jones’ seat on Ways and Means.

She was expected to win re-election easily in November over Republican Thomas Pekarek.

The leadership aide said no plans have been made yet for memorial services.

This story comes courtesy of CQPolitics.com and the Associated Press.

WHY I LIKE JOE BIDEN AS OBAMA VEEP PICK

noreply@blogger.com (Content Black Woman) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 14:52:00 +0000

I like Senator Joe Biden (D-Delaware) as Presidential candidate Barack Obama's pick for his Vice Presidential running mate.

In general, I've always liked Biden and have often wondered why his candidacy for President in times past hadn't received better traction. I like his demeanor, passion and compassion.

He appears well-skilled in leveraging his experience with the reality of the times as it relates to the people's struggle in middle America.

If it had not been for Barack or Hillary, Joe would have been my choice for President. If you ever listen me on the Kevin Ross Show on BlogTalkRadio.com, you will hear me a couple months or so back say upfront that I liked Biden as a V.P. pick for Obama.

For those who take issue with Biden's "clean" reference to Obama as the first truly viable Black candidate for President of the U.S., I knew as I heard it that he misspoke and had no ill or racist intent. In fact, I look forward to their joking about it as they go on to work together as a team.

Biden's foreign relations expertise makes him a perfect compliment to Obama. In some ways, he reminds me of the Democratic version of John McCain, just smarter and more sincere.

He also reminds me as the outspoken version of my parish priest Fr. Jerome Schmidt as a child. He is smart, compassionate and a believer in all having a fair shake. This is what I see when I see Senator Joe Biden.

I believe they will make a great Democratic ticket.

CONGRESSWOMAN STEPHANIE TUBBS JONES DIES

noreply@blogger.com (Content Black Woman) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 14:39:00 +0000

BREAKING NEWS :

U.S. Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones (D-Ohio) dies after being hospitalized for an aneurysms suffered.

EAST CLEVELAND, Ohio (AP) — U.S. Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones was in a hospital Wednesday.

Tubbs Jones, 59, was taken to the Cleveland Clinic's Huron Hospital in East Cleveland late Tuesday, said hospital spokeswoman Joyce Persuad.

Cleveland television stations reported Wednesday that the congresswoman was taken to the hospital after police found her in a car along a road in Cleveland Heights. Police Chief Martin Lentz did not immediately return a message seeking comment Wednesday.

Nicole Williams, Tubbs Jones' press secretary in Washington, declined to comment on the congresswoman's condition.

Tubbs Jones was first elected in 1998, becoming the first black woman to represent Ohio in Congress.

She is set to be a superdelegate at next week's Democratic National Convention in Denver. Williams would not comment on whether the congresswoman's hospitalization would interfere with that plan.

She was one of Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's biggest boosters during the primaries, then threw her support to Sen. Barack Obama in June.

THE POWER OF PERSERVERANCE

noreply@blogger.com (Content Black Woman) — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 02:19:00 +0000

Do you possess the power to persevere?

Do you have the strength, courage and conviction to keep moving no matter how bad life looks?

Many do not. Life has the capacity to take one through some of the most horrific of circumstances.

I have often referenced the commenter who once told me that the best students get the hardest tests. Believe me, there are some tests I feel like I'd rather not attempt to pass at - all of course due to a fear of failure. This is human.

So, sometimes it just comes down to having just enough courage to get from moment to moment. Like Christ, baring such a cross can seem like an unimaginable burden.

Yet, those who manage to persevere do so with a victory only usually after having been severely tested.

Are you passing the test?

Stay encouraged today. These are dark times for so many. However, find that strength and that power to persevere in spite of the darkness before you. There is a reason for the season. Hold on to your faith and be grateful. Continue being thankful for the good that is in your life.

It might be hard to see, but remember to hold on, be strong and never let go of the vision.

It will be worth it.

SIGNIFICANCE

noreply@blogger.com (Content Black Woman) — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 03:13:00 +0000

It's the eve of my 42nd birthday and I can't help but wonder what makes one or one's life significant?

In looking up the word significant, I found one definition that refers to it as: "the level of importance or magnitude assigned to a particular item."

In our extremely media and celebrity-conscious society, it is hard not to have misplaced perceptions about what is significant or important in life.

A couple of years ago I heard a sermon by Bishop T.D. Jakes entitled If You Can Give It Up, You Can Have It All. Its message was life enhancing and reinforced my newfound beliefs that emphasized that "things" were replaceable, but family, friends and pursuit of one's dream are priceless.

An ambitious soul am I.

I am not big on failure or not winning after giving my all. Yet, sometimes in life, to reassure a sense of humility, no matter what we do or how hard we work or think we are working at something, there are times it is best to just cry, "Uncle!" Enough becomes more than enough and we are tested just how committed we are to being as powerful as water and truly going with life's flow.

As we go through life, the winds of change can make their way tossing you to and fro like a rag doll only to find oneself landing in the most unimaginable of places.

We can either resist the change kicking and screaming along the way or we can give in and turn into the nooks of life's unexpected curves and trust the Almighty as to where we end up knowing the power of Spirit that puts our faith to the ultimate test.

This describes my life over the last two weeks. At another time in my life, I would have felt extremely anxious and been tempted to curse God.

Instead there is nothing I am so attached to that I cannot embrace the value associated with a major life change. Choices I've made - particularly over the last two years - have landed me in the most unique of places. And with this, I am O.K. Excited even because where at one point in time uncertainty would have represented the dark side, I am coming to accept uncertainty as my friend and enjoy the adventure associated with the unknown TRUSTING I will come face to face with life's best. If this "adventure" I have embarked upon leads me to life's best, I am so O.K. with this change. It will have been worth it.

It's been said that life - true living - is what happens when you are busy making plans, setting goals, and working like crazy to meet deadlines.

Yet, to know oneself and the value of doing all that brings one peace and a sense of empowerment is to know real significance. It represents a satisfaction that is not attached to anyone or anything outside of you and does not require the approval or acceptance of others. You discover who your real friends are - those that demonstrate unconditional love and support - in the midst of life's greatest storms.

Then, when the breakthrough happens, you have had a firsthand look - a front row seat if you will - to those who stood with you at the height of inconvenience for this is the true measure of any quality relationship based on principles that are not always easy to define or articulate.

For me - at this stage of life - class continues to be in session. Graduation day is closer than we think.

Peace always.

KWAME KILPATRICK GETS PRAYERS ANSWERED

noreply@blogger.com (Content Black Woman) — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 18:11:00 +0000

Judge Rules Detroit Mayor Didn't Violate Bond

DETROIT (AP) — Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick's third trip to court in a week turned into a victory Tuesday when a judge threw out prosecutors' claim that a visit with his sister violated the terms of his bail in an assault case.

Judge Ronald Giles agreed with the mayor's attorneys that a no-contact order didn't include Ayanna Kilpatrick, who is listed as a witness in the assault case.

"I don't see the issue," the judge said. "I really don't. There isn't an issue."

After the hearing, defense attorney Dan Webb denounced the prosecution claim as "truly ridiculous" and a product of "hysteria."

"You've got prosecutors and media overreacting to everything this man does," Webb said.

Last week, Giles had sent the mayor to jail overnight in a separate perjury case after learning he had traveled to Windsor, Ontario, in July without notifying authorities, a condition of his release on bail.

Kilpatrick was released Friday.

That same day, the mayor was charged with assaulting two investigators who were trying to deliver a subpoena at his sister's house in July in the perjury case.

The state attorney general's office said in a court filing that the mayor had been ordered to have no contact with witnesses in the assault case.

Prosecutors said Kilpatrick violated that condition because he and Ayanna Kilpatrick were together Saturday at the home of their mother, U.S. Rep. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, D-Mich.

For more of the story visit the Associated Press.

REST IN PEACE BERNIE MAC

noreply@blogger.com (Content Black Woman) — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 18:25:00 +0000

My prayers go out to the family and friends of Bernie Mac. His passing seems to have come too soon for a man of his talent and intellect.

I remember when I first became familiar with Mac. It was during his routine in the Kings of Comedy with Steve Harvey, D.L. Hughley and Cedric the Entertainer. When Mac shared his story about his nieces and nephew, I thought I would bust a gut from all my hard laughter.

It was great.

May dear Bernie's soul be at peace.

TODAY IS THE DAY OF PERFECTED MANIFESTATION

noreply@blogger.com (Content Black Woman) — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 15:24:00 +0000

Whether it's 8-8-08 or any other day, everyday is positioned to be a blessed and perfect day. Faith and belief are needed in times and days like these more than ever.

Be blessed today, now and always.

You will be rewarded for your faith, trust and belief.

JUANITA BYNUM NOT PAYING HER EX'S LEGAL BILLS AS AGREED

noreply@blogger.com (Content Black Woman) — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 04:52:00 +0000

ATLANTA (AP) - Lawyers for the ex-husband of Juanita Bynum are suing the televangelist, claiming that she has not paid the first installment of a $40,000 legal bill to his divorce attorney.

Bynum agreed to pay the bill in four $10,000 installments as part of a settlement agreement reached between her and Thomas Weeks III. The first installment was due July and the next is due August 8th. Randy Kessler, Weeks’ attorney, filed a motion in a suburban Atlanta court to find Bynum in contempt.

Bynum also has failed to transfer the title of a 2004 Land Rover to Weeks, another condition of the agreement, according to the motion. Bynum filed for divorce in September, after she accused Weeks of choking and beating her in a hotel parking lot.

The couple ended their five-year marriage on June 20th.

Are you kidding me? We aren't done with these people yet?

I thought it was weird that the high traffic on the blog was people searching for the latest on Bynum.

Lord, please have mercy. Pay that dog on bill. But wait! To be real - these are tough times. All that glitters... well you get the rest.

It seems the Bynum-Weeks saga will not die! UGH!

DARE TO REMEMBER

noreply@blogger.com (Content Black Woman) — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 00:01:00 +0000

Periodically I make it a point to stop and consider why this blog and why this blog now.

I have admitted that it was for selfish reasons and to serve as a reminder that our individual life experiences are not always mutually exclusive. We are more connected than we think despite race, creed, gender or color.

As a dear friend declared to me yesterday, "The devil is busy."

I once dared to say, "What devil?" Isn't God greater, bigger and more omnipresent than any two-bit "devil? Then, in the midst of life's storms - life's darkest hours - can we still believe in our big God?

Absolutely.

As I shared a couple of blog posts back, so many are apparently going through so much. It seems to be our Depression for the new millennium or America's own collective Katrina. Lives are being turned up every which way - or so it would seem.

In visiting a friend's home recently, everywhere she has one word throughout her house.

Believe!

It's in her bedroom. It's in her kitchen. It's in her living room and office. She even has it as a screen saver on both her desk top and lap top computers.

Believe!

Can we hold on in the midst of this storm of life's uncertainty?

It is so easy to question one's sanity, judgement and reasoning skills. "I know I'm not crazy," we seek to convince ourselves.

And guess what? We are not.

There is a shift - a spiritual shift if you will and believe me, only the strong will survive.

Shift happens, as my dear friend Carlton Pearson says.

Fear seems to be the life of the party - touching all and whoever it can as often as it can.

So, how does one not allow oneself to be immobilized with fear that often accompanies uncertainty?

Keep moving. Trust. Have faith. And believe.

My dear friend Tina told me, "Remember the blessings of your past."

"If you think back over your life and recall some of your most greatest triumphs, they came only after having endured what seemed the most impossible of circumstances. Situations that made you think, 'How on earth am I ever going to get through this?' And what happened? Because you dared to believe and trust, you not only made it through, you made it through triumphantly; relatively unscathed and much, much wiser and a lot less anxious with a song in your heart and a 'thank you' on your lips."

So, from that, I determined we have to find a way to keep pressing and not give up. With a praise on our lips, faith in our hearts, and an eye on the future, we must live with a knowing bad times don't last always. There is a better tomorrow.

And dare to remember, it is always darkest before the dawn.

You will make it!

KWAME KILPATRICK WAITS FOR APPEAL WHILE IN JAIL

noreply@blogger.com (Content Black Woman) — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 23:53:00 +0000

DETROIT (AP) — Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick was jailed Thursday for a bond violation in his perjury case, his pleas for leniency rejected by a judge who made it clear the mayor would get no special treatment.

Kilpatrick, charged with perjury and other felonies over his testimony in a civil trial, apologized and acknowledged that he made a mistake when he visited Windsor, Ontario, minutes away from Detroit, for city business last month. But District Judge Ronald Giles was not moved, saying he needed to treat the mayor like any other defendant.

"What matters to me ... is how the court overall is perceived and how if it was not Kwame Kilpatrick sitting in that seat, if it was John Six-Pack sitting in that seat, what would I do? And that answer is simple," Giles said.

For more visit the Associated Press.

VICTORIA OSTEEN SUED FOR ALLEGED IN-FLIGHT OUTBURST

noreply@blogger.com (Content Black Woman) — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 21:34:00 +0000

HOUSTON (AP) — The wife of renowned evangelical pastor Joel Osteen acted like a combative diva when a small spill on her airline seat was not immediately cleaned up, a flight attendant, Sharon Brown, who was also on the plane testified Thursday.

The testimony came during the civil trial of a lawsuit that accuses Victoria Osteen, the co-pastor a Houston megachurch, of assaulting a flight attendant before the start of a 2005 flight to Vail, Colorado.

Oh Lord! Please don't let THIS be true. I actually like her and her husband Joel.

Let's keep the prayers coming. Seems like everyone is going through.

For more details, visit the Associated Press.

KWAME KILPATRICK ORDERED TO JAIL!

noreply@blogger.com (Content Black Woman) — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 14:57:00 +0000

BREAKING NEWS: Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick has just been ordered to jail by a Detroit judge for violating his bail for going to Canada without notification to the court.

DETROIT (AP)-- Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick has been ordered to the county jail after a judge found the mayor violated the terms of his bond by going to Canada and not informing the court.

The ruling by Judge Ronald Giles came after the mayor apologized to the court, saying it won't happen again.

The judge says he would have given the same treatment to any criminal defendant.

Kilpatrick's attorneys say they immediately will appeal the ruling.

Earlier Thursday, Kilpatrick waived his right to a preliminary examination and will head to trial on perjury and other criminal charges.

He has denied the charges.

Visit wxyz.com for the latest details.

SURVIVING THE TURBULENCE OF LIFE

noreply@blogger.com (Content Black Woman) — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 00:22:00 +0000

Are you going through what seems to be life's turbulences?

It seems as if so many are.

A record number of foreclosures are taking place and unemployment seems to be steadily growing. America is in an apparent economic slump to put it mildly and when your money is not right, it is so hard for much else to seem right.

How did we get here? Here - at this place - where the amount of money we have defines our lot in life?

The constant struggle and pining for the almighty dollar can be exhausting. And we we seem to be at a lost for it, our lives can literally be upside down - especially if you had it - were use to having it - and now all of a sudden, find yourself without it.

So then how does one cope and survive when prayer, faith and trust don't always seem to be enough? That sense of hopelessness takes it's toll. Then on top of it, to have to go to a gig one doesn't like does nothing more than add insult to injury.

Interestingly enough though, the beauty of turbulence is that it is short-lived. It is not designed to last forever. Yet, when you are in the midst of it, can you remember that?

I recall in my Biblical studies that God is a "more than enough" God and he will supply all your needs. Most want abundance to provide them with psychological comfort. In actuality, it's the knowing you are rich that makes you rich far more than the actual riches themselves.

Do not allow yourself to be defined by the amount of money you have or don't have. Know...really know it can all turn on a dime - no pun intended - for the better.

With many people going through everything from financial to health challenges, we must find that small seed of faith to hold on to and not let go - no matter what.

To be and live in faith can be harder at times than at others, but it doesn't have to be impossible. Just consider your life thus far and trust and know that the best is yet to come.

Blessing always.

2008 ANGEL CITY CLASSIC

noreply@blogger.com (Content Black Woman) — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 01:30:00 +0000

NICK CANNON IS SET TO KICK OFF COUNT DOWN TO THE 3RD ANNUAL ANGEL CITY CLASSIC

noreply@blogger.com (Content Black Woman) — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 01:07:00 +0000

On Tuesday, August 5th, Nick Cannon will join Black Educational Events, LLC and Farmers Insurance Group for a press conference at 10 a.m. in front of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum to promote the value behind the 2008 Farmers Insurance Angel City Classic in accordance with his Stop Hating Campaign.

Often referred to as the "Black College Homecoming of the West" this year's Angel City Classic is being played between Morehouse College and Prairie View A&M on Saturday, September 27th.

In Los Angeles Unified School District, less than half of African American and Latino students graduate high school. This mirrors the national reality of a high school drop out rate among African American students as high at 60% in such cities as Cleveland, Baltimore, Detroit and New York.

The 3rd Annual Angel City Classic is intended to inspire and motivate high school students - particularly those in underserved communities - to graduate and consider Historically Black Colleges and University (HBCUs) as a viable post secondary educational alternative. By having a full day's experience of Black college life on the west coast, many students may come to realize that college is not just for "squares" or "smart people".

Please know that "smart" is relative.

For a taste of the Classic's flavor, visit the Angel City Classic and experience it via video.

Tickets and group packages can also be purchased at Angel City Classic.

BE GRATEFUL!

noreply@blogger.com (Content Black Woman) — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 15:06:00 +0000

It can be too easy to become depressed by looking at all you don't have.

It can be a challenge to work so hard to make life happen only to realize sometimes the best we can do is just be still and count the blessings.

There are so many going through so much. What keeps one encouraged?

Faith, belief, hope, the inspiration brought on by the lives of others. The evidence of faith's power is too numerous to name.

Today, be grateful. Today, trust all will be well. It may not always look like it, but our greater good is being shaped even in the times when we can least recognize it.

For this realization and the ability to communicate it, I say, Thank You.

Luther Cambell: Rappers Gone Wild with Family Values

noreply@blogger.com (Content Black Woman) — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 14:38:00 +0000

First it was Ice Cube, now it's former 2 Live Crew member Luther "Luke" Campbell.

Luther "Luke" Campbell, 47, got married recently in Dallas to 27-year-old native Kristin Thompson. "People say that Kristin needs to write a book on how she nabbed the big one," he says, laughing, by phone.

The wedding is central to Luke's Parental Advisory, a reality series that premieres Aug. 4 on VH1. What's revealed about Mr. Campbell's home life has surprisingly little to do with the raunchy side he showed as the front man for rap group 2 Live Crew. It's about the life and career of a devoted father and community activist planning his nuptials.

"A lot of people think that we've got women swinging off of chandeliers every day, but that's just a job," Mr. Campbell says.

He now owns an adult entertainment business and keeps busy raising his children. Uncle Luke wants to show the world that he's more than just the guy who fought all the way to the Supreme Court for the right to be as nasty as he wants to be.

"I think that it's time that people see what I do ... being an entrepreneur, speaking with state representatives and commissioners," Mr. Campbell says. "I've mentored kids for over 20 years. It lets people know who I really am, and they are going to be amazed."

Story comes courtesy of Lorrie Irby Jackson of the Dallas Morning News.

AMERICA APOLOGIZING FOR SLAVERY

noreply@blogger.com (Content Black Woman) — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 14:14:00 +0000

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House on Tuesday issued an unprecedented apology to black Americans for the wrongs committed against them and their ancestors who suffered under slavery and Jim Crow segregation laws.

"Today represents a milestone in our nation's efforts to remedy the ills of our past," said Rep. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, D-Mich., chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus.

The resolution, passed by voice vote, was the work of Tennessee Democrat Steve Cohen, the only white lawmaker to represent a majority black district. Cohen faces a formidable black challenger in a primary face-off next week.

Congress has issued apologies before — to Japanese-Americans for their internment during World War II and to native Hawaiians for the overthrow of the Hawaiian kingdom in 1893. In 2005, the Senate apologized for failing to pass anti-lynching laws.

Five states have issued apologies for slavery, but past proposals in Congress have stalled, partly over concerns that an apology would lead to demands for reparations —payment for damages.

How did I miss this? It's been quite a week.

I must admit, I have been pondering how on earth Obama would deal with this issue of apologizing for slavery in America. Apparently, he was forced to deal with this and other American controversial misdeeds at the Unity Conference - a conference for journalist of color held in Chicago this past weekend:

If elected president, he said he would encourage a discussion of a whole range of issues concerning the legacy of such things as slavery. He stopped short of saying an Obama administration would offer any formal apologies.

“The most important thing for the U.S. government to do is not just offer words, but offer deeds,” he said, adding later, “The best reparations we can provide are good schools in the inner city and jobs for people who are unemployed.”

And the presidential beat goes on.

A portion of this post comes courtesy of the Associated Press.

Los Angeles Earthquake: I'm/We're Still Standing

noreply@blogger.com (Content Black Woman) — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 23:15:00 +0000

Today I found myself in the middle of an earthquake - in more ways than one.

I know I have been absent for the last few days, yet, it could not be helped.

I won't be writing much today. However, just know that although I was rockin' and rollin' - in the middle of the post office no less - I'm still standing.

I think God was trying to send me a sign that He is still in control no matter what it looks like. Tough to see in times like these. However, as they say, when you've done all that you can - just stand.

Be Blessed.

WENDY WILLIAMS, OMAROSA: WHY BLACK WOMEN ARE ANGRY

noreply@blogger.com (Content Black Woman) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:39:00 +0000

For more details, visit 3 Brothers & a Sister.

FCC RULES THAT JANET JACKSON WAS NOT SO 'NASTY' AFTER-ALL

noreply@blogger.com (Content Black Woman) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 03:50:00 +0000

One More Day

noreply@blogger.com (Content Black Woman) — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 17:10:00 +0000

About 20 days ago, I shared my intended efforts to embark upon a 21-day journey of no complaining and negative speak. I'll admit, I was not perfect at it, however, I am satisfied that I did give it my best effort.

With tomorrow serving as the 21st day, does this mean I will be complaining as much as I can? Of course not. Yet, I do see the value of living a complaint-free life. It's interesting how I've been kept; not just these past 21-days, but for over the last five years. They truly have been rough. Yet, I am still here. I see life as something clearly to celebrate.

Tomorrow also represents the day my daughter returns from "Down Under" where she spent 15 days with youth from all around the world in celebration of World Youth Day. I am very excited about seeing her.

Today and everyday represents being one day closer to the fulfillment of my hopes and dreams. To celebrate, I will give particularly more emphasis to being in gratitude for my life.

To move forward in the spirit of joy, peace and the feeling of being empowered represents the Christ consciousness that lets us know that everyday is a day of new hope and new opportunities. I pray for those who are less fortunate, yet I am convinced that their circumstances can begin to change with the way they think about themselves and their lives.

The climb to the pinnacle of joy and success can represent many things to many people for many reasons. However, the main emphasis should be placed on the value of perseverance, determination and a stick-to-it-ness that communicates that we should only stop the pursuit of our calling only when we can go no further.

The kingdom of heaven is at hand. We can have joy, peace, love and abundance now. It all starts with our "yes" to being fully in the moment for one more day.