Category: Uncategorized
J.O.W.K. (journal of an over worked kid)
August 5, 2005
Dear Diary,
I’m starting this journal as a way to speak out for some of my peers who can’t speak for themselves. As a kid I see a lot of my friends and class mates stuck doing things that they don’t want to do. Take for example my bf James; he has to play baseball because his dad was a ball champ all through his high school years and into college. The only reason he didn’t make it to the majors ( and he will tell EVERYBODY he meets about how close he came) was because he screwed up his shoulder pitching those 98 mph fast balls.
James’s dad Ron is a trip! He makes James get up at 4am and jog with him every morning and that’s during baseball season when it’s not baseball, James has to pick up another sport to keep him in the game ( that’s what Ron says anyways). James also has go to the gym everyday regardless of whether he’s playing sports or not.
James and I have stayed up late at night and texting back and forth about how much he hates all the sports he has to do. My dream is to be a fashion illustrator and as we text, I’m always sketching my ideas.
James has even said that he envies me for the fact that I’m not being pushed to be the next great anything in my family. He says I’m lucky to have parents who let me be a kid and dream my own dream. I don’t know about any of that; what I do know is that I don’t envy Jame’s overly busy life style. More to come because I have to speak for a lot of kids I know at school who have to deal with this everyday of their lives.
Thanks for listening as usual… –Carla
Book Covers
You can never tell what a person is going through or what they’ve been through in their past just by casual observation. This Sunday I heard a lady talking about how her 16 year old daughter Autumn was almost killed when a horse stepped on her when she was a toddler.
Before I heard her story I had not paid much attention to this woman. Now that I know the painful trial she and her family endured, I want to know more about this person. I made my way to her and we exchanged pleasantries. Then I told her how I almost lost one of my kids when she was 7 weeks old. She looked at me with the same amazement I had when I first heard her story. This broke the ice
and now I’m compelled to know this woman more.
Last month I heard another shocking story. I was sitting close to a man who looks just like the actor Morgan Freeman;
I had to take a closer look to see if it really was. By the way, I am a huge fan of said actor. I kept running into this same man and I would imagine that he must have a grand life because the peace that surrounds him, gave me the impression that perhaps he wakes up everyday and sings,” Zippididoodah Zippideeay, my oh my oh what a wonderful day!” 
Then I heard the most amazing story about this man.
He was handed a mic and he began to share his personal tragedy. He said his name was Willie; he had lost 3 children in a house fire and soon after he lost 2 more children in a second house fire. My lower jaw fell wide open and I felt it touch the floor below. I leaned forward as my heart began to weep for this man’s great loss. He also shared his faith and said that it was God that had brough him through the whole crisis. Before I left that day I made sure I went to him and I gave Willie a big hug; then something amazing happened, we found comfort in our hug because unbeknownst to Willie , I shared in his pain since I too have experienced the heart ache that comes from losing your whole family.
We are all books. We all wear different covers; some are dazzling and colorful. When I chose my own book cover for my book AS CLEAR AS CLAIRE GETS,
I wanted it to be eye catching and inviting. My story is not an easy read and knowing that, I had to design a colorful, fun, cover that would draw people in; once they’re in they’re hooked. Other book covers are mild and peaceful betraying the tragedy that lies between the pages of the book.
Whatever you’ve been through, the cover doesn’t matter one bit. We all start out with a blank book and it’s up to us to fill in the pages. My book starts out with one tragedy after the next, but I’m going to make sure at the end of my life, on the last page, you’re going to read that I became an over comer and a conqueror through my faith in God. Some people’s books start and end in tragedy; don’t let that be you. Choose instead to use your pain to help others. Then there are other books that start out in victory only to end terribly; what could have possibly happened?
Next time you meet someone new, pretend you’re in a library or a book store even, and be prepared to handle them with as much care and attention that you would give that book you’re considering as your your next great read. It is true: One cannot read a book by its cover; neither can one pass judgment on anyone just by merely glancing at their book cover.
I looked into your eyes,
I felt your pain.
I looked into my heart,
my pain is yours- we’re both the same.
“Don’t judge so that you won’t be judged. For the way you judge others is how you will be judged-the measure with which you measure out will be used to measure to you.”
The Good Ol’ Days…
Why do people long for “the good ol’ days” ?
Don’t they realize that to younger folks that might sound as though they might be missing out on something? The so called “good ol’ days” sounds to me like someone is having a hard time adjusting to these days. So what do they call now,”The bad new days”?
Seriously, I believe we are living in one of the most exciting time periods ever. I’m glad I wasn’t born in the Medieval times,
or when the New World was being settled. I wonder what folks in times past would think of our lives today. I am certain they would have a hard time adjusting to modern times as a modern person would who went back. Was life back then simpler really?
Upon closer inspection I would have to say no one in any time period has had it easier than the next. Sure our ancestors did a lot of their work manually since machines were just being invented to lighten man’s load. But they fought and struggled just as we do. Our modern lives seem simple, but are they? With all of our technological advances are we smarter and better off?
If we were to be honest, I think we have to admit that we are more confused now than our ancestors ever were. We have information bombarding us daily; where the settlers of the American frontier had to fend off the wild in their environment, we have to fight our own wild beasts that demand our time and attention 24/7; the media, electronic gadgets,
, government rules that encroach upon our liberties. This is the wilderness we’re contending with daily.
Lastly, even though our ancestors lived shorter lives than we do, are we really living longer? Their food quality was better than ours; farmers grew food and let the soil rest every so often so as not to deplete the soil of its nutrients. Here in modern life we have to turn to supplements in order to ensure we are receiving the lost nutrients from our food. Medial advances have been majorly improved upon yet we have the highest rates of obesity, malnutrition and food allergies ever recorded. We may be living longer but not better lives.
So next time you look back and pine away for “the good ol’ days” why not make THESE days we are living now the best? One way to do so is to stop complaining about what was; for all you know you could be making a myth about a not so great time period. Live for today because that’s all we have. Don’t whine about the past; take the good from it and leave the rest behind. Regarding the future, remember that whatever you are doing right at this moment will affect your tomorrow, for better or worse. Today is your answer to the prayer you said yesterday.
Ecclesiates 7:10
Don’t ask why the old days were better than now, because that is a foolish question.
Ecclesiastes 7:8
The end of something is better than its beginning, so the patient are better than the proud.
He Wept Sore
And he wept sore,
he knew he could do no more.
He wept sore,
he knew not,
what was in store.
He wept sore,
he knew not a lot,
but he did know the score.
He wept sore;
the one he claimed to love,
she picked up and walked out the front door.
He wept sore,
he wept long and hard,
then he crumbled and fell on the floor.
Eva Santiago Copyright 2011
TFCL (talk from the clothes line)
Bon Jour Dieu!
I want to greet you in other languages because I wonder if you ever get tired of hearing English all the time 🙂
Please watch over my friend who is serving our country in Afghanistan right now. Please protect him and help him out with his duties over seas. When he gets weary and home sick, let him know you are near. Help his family out in his absence by meeting all of their needs while he’s away.
God, I’m not going to stand out here and bring you my
laundry list. You deserve so much, much more than that! So instead I shall tell you how fantastic you are because I know you like it when I praise you.
Thanks for resolving that conflict that I had with that one business; I don’t need to mention names because I know you know who I’m referring to. Grant me favor!
You are so beautiful to me. There was a song like that; wasn’t it back in the ‘7o’s? Anyways, the song suits you and so I shall sing you the little bit I know. Hang on though because that’s the ONLY line I know. hee hee
The US flag I have hanging in front of my house reminds me to pray for all of our troops defending our freedom here at home and over seas. God, America needs you more than ever right now, so I’m sending out an S.O.S. confident that you ARE hearing your people and responding accordingly.
Chao for now!
Je t’aime mon Dieu!
MONEY: It Doesn’t Make The World Spin on its Axis
So I took my youngest daughter and I told her about one of my favorite birthday memories I’ve had as an adult. Way before I had any kids, I was working in Atlanta while putting myself through college. Lucy, my co-worker asked me a few weeks before my birthday to name a few things that I like. I named several things including home made pound cake. When my birthday rolled around, that morning when I arrived at the museum where we both worked I found a package on my desk. It had a little note attached to it. Lucy was right behind me and I turned around and gave her a big hug; then she told me to open it and once I did, I could smell the most delicious scent coming from the aluminum foil. Lucy had made a pound cake all for me! Let me tell you I felt so loved that day; I had received similar gifts like that in the past, but this one topped them all because someone thought enough of me to MAKE me my favorite cake. Hence I’ve never forgotten Lucy!
; the lack of it can lure you into a state of quiet, helpless desperation. When you DO have it, you think you’re invincible and the world is yours. I have prayed this many times in the past: “God please give me enough bread to satisfy my needs and those of my house; don’t leave me without, that I have to resort to stealing and don’t give me too much that I end up turning my back on you.” We must tell our kids that even though money IS important, it DOESN’T make the world go around! 
1 Timothy 6:7-10
For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless.
Your Child’s Food Matters
Apricots Combats cancer Controls blood pressure Saves your eyesight Shields against Alzheimer’s Slows aging process
Artichokes Aids digestion Lowers cholesterol Protects your heart Stabilizes blood sugar Guards against liver disease
Avocados Battles diabetes Lowers cholesterol Helps stops strokes Controls blood pressure smooths skin
Bananas Protects your heart Quiets a cough Strengthens bones Controls blood pressure Blocks diarrhea
Beans Prevents constipation Helps hemorrhoids Lowers cholesterol Combats cancer Stabilizes blood sugar
Beets Controls blood pressure Combats cancer Strengthens bones Protects your heart Aids weight loss
Blueberries Combats cancer Protects your heart Stabilizes blood sugar Boosts memory Prevents constipation
Broccoli Strengthens bones Saves eyesight Combats cancer Protects your heart Controls blood pressure
Cabbage Combats cancer Prevents constipation Promotes weight loss Protects your heart Helps hemorrhoids
Cantaloupe Saves eyesight Controls blood pressure Lowers cholesterol Combats cancer Supports immune system
Carrots Saves eyesight Protects your heart Prevents constipation Combats cancer Promotes weight loss
Cauliflower Protects against Prostate Cancer Combats Breast Cancer Strengthens bones Banishes bruises Guards against heart disease
Cherries Protects your heart Combats Cancer Ends insomnia Slows aging process Shields against Alzheimer’s
Chestnuts Promotes weight loss Protects your heart Lowers cholesterol Combats Cancer Controls blood pressure
Chili peppers Aids digestion Soothes sore throat Clears sinuses Combats Cancer Boosts immune system
Figs Promotes weight loss Helps stops strokes Lowers cholesterol Combats Cancer Controls blood pressure
Fish Protects your heart Boosts memory Protects your heart Combats Cancer Supports immune system
Flax Aids digestion Battles diabetes Protects your heart Improves mental health Boosts immune system
Garlic Lowers cholesterol Controls blood pressure Combats cancer Kills bacteria Fights fungus
Grapefruit Protects against heart attacks Promotes Weight loss Helps stops strokes Combats Prostate Cancer Lowers cholesterol
Grapes Saves eyesight Conquers kidney stones Combats cancer Enhances blood flow Protects your heart
Green tea Combats cancer Protects your heart Helps stops strokes Promotes Weight loss Kills bacteria
Honey Heals wounds Aids digestion Guards against ulcers Increases energy Fights allergies
Lemons Combats cancer Protects your heart Controls blood pressure smooths skin Stops scurvy
Limes Combats cancer Protects your heart Controls blood pressure smooths skin Stops scurvy
Mangoes Combats cancer Boosts memory Regulates thyroid Aids digestion Shields against Alzheimer’s
Mushrooms Controls blood pressure Lowers cholesterol Kills bacteria Combats cancer Strengthens bones
Oats Lowers cholesterol Combats cancer Battles diabetes Prevents constipation smooths skin
Olive oil Protects your heart Promotes Weight loss Combats cancer Battles diabetes smooths skin
Onions Reduce risk of heart attack Combats cancer Kills bacteria Lowers cholesterol Fights fungus
Oranges Supports immune systems Combats cancer Protects your heart Straightens respiration
Peaches Prevents constipation Combats cancer Helps stops strokes Aids digestion Helps hemorrhoids
Peanuts Protects against heart disease Promotes Weight loss Combats Prostate Cancer Lowers cholesterol Aggravates
Diverticulitis
Pineapple Strengthens bones Relieves colds Aids digestion Dissolves warts Blocks diarrhea
Prunes Slows aging process Prevents constipation Boosts memory Lowers cholesterol Protects against heart disease
Rice Protects your heart Battles diabetes Conquers kidney stones Combats cancer Helps stops strokes
Strawberries Combats cancer Protects your heart Boosts memory Calms stress
Sweet potatoes Saves your eyesight Lifts mood Combats cancer Strengthens bones
Tomatoes Protects prostate Combats cancer Lowers cholesterol Protects your heart
Walnuts Lowers cholesterol Combats cancer Boosts memory Lifts mood Protects against heart disease
Water Promotes Weight loss Combats cancer Conquers kidney stones smooths skin
Watermelon Protects prostate Promotes Weight loss Lowers cholesterol Helps stops strokes Controls blood pressure
Wheat germ Combats Colon Cancer Prevents constipation Lowers cholesterol Helps stops strokes Improves digestion
Wheat bran Combats Colon Cancer Prevents constipation Lowers cholesterol Helps stops strokes Improves digestion
Yogurt Guards against ulcers Strengthens bones Lowers cholesterol Supports immune systems Aids digestion
SISTERHOOD
You are like a rainbow that comes out after a summer thunderstorm.
Your colors are iridescent,each representing a facet of your uniqueness.
The red is your heart filled with love and compassion.
You touch everyone in your world as you let the love in your heart overflow.
The green stands for the loyal sister and friend that you are to me.
Green symbolizes life;and yours is an exuberant one.
The two qualities that make you stand out in a crowd.Violet is the quiet and gentle spirit which you tend to hide when you’re feeling vulnerable.
But there are a few of us that know it’s there, and we do our best to protect that treasure within you.
Blue is the peaceful you. The state of being you can only achieve when you’ve spent time on
Papa God‘s comforting lap.
All these qualities and more make up my wonderful sister,Sandra ,the one I can always rely on.
When we were little,you were my constant companion.Even though we were separated,our lives have always run parallel to each other. Like two branches of the same river,
both flowing toward the same destination;the ocean of a our God’s abundant and amazing love.
You are that promise to me,you are that rainbow!
With you in my corner, I rest assured knowing all is well.
Eva Santiago 