June 25, 2009

Countdown to Forever

Yesterday was my birthday. I've completed another year, and I especially look forward to June 24, 2010.  Genesis 6:3 - Then the Lord said, "My Spirit will not contend with man forever, for he is moral, his days will be a hundred and twenty."  The Lord says we all have one hundred and twenty years of life in us.  Next year I will reach the half-way point.  I see no reason to doubt his words.  

That is one of the reasons I am working very hard in changing my current lifestyle of not eating foods that will do more harm than good; and not carrying more weight than I should.  This is why I use the Tahitian Noni International's Tepoema Skincare Products and drink the original Tahitian Noni juices. I am a Trim Plan 40 advocate of daily nutritional supplements for women. These supplements help balance hormonal changes as I age.

I'm also supplementing my income. Tahitian Noni is not just a business, it's way of life.  I am actually paying myself to stay healthy.

Our mission statement is "To bless the whole earth with the natural goodness of Tahitian Noni and Tell the Story of lives transformed."  

The Lord has transformed my spiritual life. I know that as long as I am continually fed by scripture and live out my life here in this realm with honor and truth; the life that he has prepared for me in the hereafter will go on forever.  One Hundred and twenty years plus Forever...why not live the best life that you can during your time on earth.  Why not live it in good health and good spirits.

Join me in pursuing a healthier lifestyle.  Visit my website: Tahitian Noni International.  


June 03, 2009

Servant Leader Intern! Humbly I Serve...Boldly I Lead

This morning I am looking forward to a major event in my life.  This is the third challenge that I have undertaken in less than a year.  The first was, of course, my marriage to Willie last August. The second, taking a part-time job, after 23 years of independent consulting,  as an After-School Instructor.  Tomorrow I will begin my six day Servant Leader Intern training.  As part of my application process I had to write an essay on how I will contribute to the Philadelphia Freedom School movement. Here is my essay.

"I have been blessed with many opportunities during my lifetime.  Because of my eclectic experience, I bring several talents and gifts to the Philadelphia Freedom School movement. My first gift is the desire to serve.  Without that gift, I know I would not be adding anything of value to the movement. My second gift is my capacity to understand the needs of the individual scholars; not in an intellectual capacity, but in an empathetic awareness of their day-to-day need for recognition.  Each scholar carries a burden to survive whatever their home life had given them the night before, or that morning as they left for school.  Although the burdens are different from what I faced as a child, I clearly remember the need to be accepted and valued.   My desire to listen to the scholar is also an asset.  I take time to find out what their challenges are and try to address them appropriately.  I am committed to the growth of our community, as well as, the individual scholar.  I am especially committed to my own growth which allows me not to be rigid in my inter-action with the scholars.  Overall, the gift that I bring to the movement is my desire to teach relationship building.  Building relationships, through writing and communicating through the arts, builds a lasting foundation in a scholar’s life. A scholar who can write and communicate will lead a more successful and rewarding life."

Even now, as I re-read my essay, I have to remember to "die to self" and let the Holy Spirit guide me through this rigorous and rewarding process that I challenge myself to complete.  Today I am 21 days shy of 59 years old.  I'm overweight, but by faith and commitment I will complete the six day training and come out a much better prepared Servant Leader.  A servant to my Lord and his people and a leader to guide them through their personal challenges.