Pure, Unadulterated Joy

Remembering Steve Jobs through the eyes of Walt Wilson, former Apple Managing Director, and me, a birthmom

By Joy A. Kennelly

This morning I attended the 20th Annual High Tech Prayer Breakfast which they claim as the largest networking event in Atlanta, GA with 1600 people in attendance and also, the earliest, beginning at 6am till 9am (I've been up since 4:30am to get there on time.:)

I had no idea what to expect, but since my friend, Curt Cain of iHealth Technologies, Inc., had invited me, I wanted to attend. We grew up in the same church in Manhattan Beach, CA and recently re-acquainted when he and his wife invited other CA "ex-pats" to a dinner this past week.

I have always felt a sense of family with other Christians because no matter how much time passes, there's a spiritual bond which ties us together no matter where we are, or what has happened. I really don't know how some people get through life without a spiritual component to their lives when I find such encouragement, support, and Godly love in my Christian life experiences. I know I couldn't make it living out here in Georgia without my faith in God and Christian friends. 

This morning's prayer breakfast was very inspiring to me on many levels as a result.

Back home in Los Angeles I have attended numerous tech conferences, networking mixers, seminars, and parties, and not once have I ever seen a spiritual aspect included. What a refreshing difference to meet CEO's, CFO's, Venture Capitalists, CTO's and more who are also following God and willing to be visible in this public realm by inviting men and women who have never heard the gospel to attend.

In light of Steve Jobs' passing, who I consider one of America's most brilliant innovators, it was very moving to hear Keynote Speaker, Walt Wilson, speak. He had been an early employee of Apple serving as the Managing Director of U.S. operations "as the company grew from just a start-up to a globally-recognized corporation with $5 billion in revenues."

Talk about a powerful way to start the day!

The host committee had gathered together to pray for Steve, his family and the prayer breakfast the night before when they heard the news of Steve Jobs' death. Walt said he had prepared a speech a few months back, but threw it all out at 3am.  He had planned to share what it was like working in Silicon Valley, working at Apple and his career, but felt what he had originally prepared wasn't appropriate after last night. 

Walt called Steve "My Boss, my Mentor, and my Friend" who had a thirst for excellence and never measured his success by market share.
He said Steve always wanted to the be BMW of the tech world and then revealed BMW really only held a 3% market share which was surprising to hear. 

What set Apple apart is it was always about computing, not the computers. It was about advancing technology more than anything else. Walt said Steve didn't care what anyone on Wall Street thought, or anyone else for that matter, which drew a laugh from the crowd. Walt also shared Steve always protected his family from his own celebrity which I admire. 

Walt shared only one personal anecdote of his experience working with Steve because it was difficult to speak so recently of someone he obviously cared deeply about. I would quote it, but want to preserve some of privacy of the breakfast.

However, I will share with you briefly Walt's story because it was fascinating to learn he had only graduated high school and served in the United States Marine Corps for three years which must have been great preparation for working alongside Steve Jobs.:)

He is currently "the founder and chairman of  Internet ministry Global Media Outreach (GMO). He was previously co-founder, chairman and CEO of Exclaim Technologies, Inc., an applications service provider in the business-to-business Internet market. Before that, he served as senior vice president and corporate officer of the consulting group Computer Sciences Corp. (CSC), a $16 billion, U.S. global corporation with 600 offices worldwide, employing over 100,000 people."

Pretty impressive, eh?

I've been attending numerous events this week; the Georgia Production Partnership monthly lunch meeting where I heard Comedy Writer, Dave Drabik of Fine Line Productions, speak; Inc and United Healthcare's holistic living panel seminar entitled Helping Businesses Grow Strong featuring Michael Tavani, co-founder of ScoutMob (mobile deals for the local curious), Sean Cook, CEO of Shop Visible, and CEO of Petrus Brands, Inc, Chris Morocco (Shane's Rib Shack and Planet Smoothie) which were great.

I've been meeting more CEO's and influential people here in Georgia faster than ever happened in CA. Hard to believe I've really only been here a little over two months after all.:) 

Have to admit though, although these other speakers were fantastic, informative and entertaining, this morning's breakfast spoke to me on a deeper level due to the spiritual component. When you consider Steve Jobs Stanford Commencement Address on living and know he died last night, it really puts life into perspective. 

"Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life," he said.

"Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart."

Here is his speech in its entirety because it's so powerful:

 

As Walt continued to speak, he challenged us to think about where we will spend eternity. If you died today do you know? He reminded us of the verses, Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord." and John 3:17 "For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved."

If you've wanted a fresh start, forgiveness of your sins, or simply to surrender your life to God because whatever you're doing isn't working, please consider asking Him into your life. He will answer you when you call upon Him. "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." I Peter 5:7 and “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:13

I hope you do, but if you don't now, know God is there whenever you need him. I can tell you He has brought me through so much. I was personally touched to learn Steve Jobs was adopted since I'm a birthmother who has a 12 year old son I placed in adoption at birth. It was one of the hardest experiences to live through in my entire life.

When I see TV shows like Parenthood which recently mocked the sacredness of this experience in an episode called, "Hey, if you're not using that baby;" or see Glee's portrayal of a birthmother plotting to get her adopted baby back; or hear Grey's Anatomy recently wove an abortion subplot into their storyline, it grieves my spirit.

So much so, I wrote Ira Schreck of Schreck Rose Dapello Adams & Hurwitz, LLP who represents Jason Katims, to express my dismay. Here's a highlight to help you understand why this image of birthmothers and adoption in general needs to change:

"As a birthmother of a twelve year-old son I placed in adoption at birth, I was shocked and devastated to see one of the main characters asking a teen-age mother if she could, “Buy your baby.”

I admire how sensitively Jason Katims has handled Asperger and am writing to request he and his staff present adoption in the same sensitive manner. Children in adoption are not bought and sold. They are not cavalierly “given” away. They are thoughtfully, painfully, delicately “placed” with a family a birthmother considers will offer a better life for their child they feel they cannot offer at the time of their pregnancy.

 Please consider the ramifications of treating a human life so callously. Parenthood has the opportunity to present a side of adoption rarely seen on TV if done correctly. I would strongly urge Jason and all those involved with the success of this show to consider researching adoption through such resources as: www.birthmothers.org and www.adoption.com before writing any further episodes."

I have yet to hear a response and have avoided other episodes because that one was too painful. But to those in entertainment who write stories about adoption and/or abortion, consider this thought if you will...

What would the world be like if Steve Jobs' birthmother chose to abort him rather than choose adoption? He has impacted all our lives and he's just one of many talented, creative people who was adopted.

Here's a list of more famous adoptees and birthparents I bet you didn't know about:

Adopted Persons

Andy Berlin - entrepreneur: chairman of Berlin Cameron & Partners
Anthony Williams - politician
Aristotle - philosopher
Art Linkletter - comedian
Bo Diddley - musician, performer
Buffy Sainte-Marie - musician, actress
Carl-Theodor Dreyer - Danish film director
Charlotte Anne Lopez - Miss Teen USA
Christina Crawford - author
Clarissa Pinkola Estes - author
Crazy Horse - Lakota war chief
Dan O'Brien - decathlete
Daunte Culpepper - football player
Dave Thomas - entrepreneur: founder of Wendy's
Debbie Harry - singer 
D.M.C. - hip hop artist
Edgar Allan Poe - poet, writer
Edward Albee - playwright
Eleanor Roosevelt - First Lady
Eric Dickerson - athlete
Faith Daniels - news anchor
Faith Hill - country singer
Freddie Bartholomew - actor
George Washington Carver - inventor
Greg Louganis - athlete
James MacArthur - actor
James Michener - author
Jean Jacques Rousseau - philosopher
Jesse Jackson - minister
Jesus - adopted by Joseph the carpenter (Bible)
Jett Williams - country singer and author
Jim Palmer - athlete
John J. Audubon - naturalist
John Hancock - politician
John Lennon - musician
Langston Hughes - poet and writer
Larry Ellison - entrepreneur: chief executive of Oracle
Lee Majors - actor
Leo Tolstoy - writer
Les Brown - motivational speaker
Lynnette Cole - Miss USA 2000
Malcolm X - civil rights leader
Mark Acre - athlete
Matthew Laborteaux - actor
Melissa Gilbert - actress
Michael Reagan - author, talk show host
Moses - Biblical leader
Nancy Reagan - First Lady
Nat King Cole - singer
Nelson Mandela - politician
Patrick Labyorteaux - actor
Peter and Kitty Carruthers - figure skaters
President Gerald Ford - politician
President William Clinton - politician
Priscilla Presley - actress
Ray Liotta - actor
Reno - performance artist, comedian
Sarah McLachlan - singer
Scott Hamilton - figure skater
Sen. Paull H. Shin - politician
Sen. Robert Byrd - politician
Steve Jobs - entrepreneur: co-founder of Apple computer
Surya Bonaly - figure skater
Tim Green - football player/commentator
Tim McGraw - country singer
Tom Monaghan - entrepreneur
Tommy Davidson - comedian
Victoria Rowell - actress
Wilson Riles - educator

Birth Parents

Andy Kaufman - actor

Clark Gable - actor

David Crosby - singer

Faith Ireland - judge

Hank Williams, Sr. - country music legend

Kate Mulgrew - actress

Joni Mitchell - singer

Roseanne Barr - actress

Mercedes Ruehl - actress

Strom Thurmond - politician

Notice the list of birthparents is much shorter? There is so much stigma surrounding adoption perpuated by past and recent Television shows, and the media, which I hope will change soon. Use the resources I mentioned in my letter, adoption.com and birthmothers.org to write truthfully about us please.

It's also time we acknowledge there are three choices when faced with unplanned pregnancy, not just two - abort or be a single parent. 

If Steve Jobs adoptive parents hadn't first adopted him and then supported, loved and encouraged his individuality just think how all our lives would be different today. Embrace the third choice and allow Steve Jobs passing to signify more than just his technological advancements, but also the power of love.

Because when it all boils down to it, every human needs to feel loved. Even those who are unwanted, unplanned, or inconvenient.

Give life, give love a chance.... Adoption is a choice too. It's extremely painful, but you get through it and your child then has the opportunity to be a world changer, perhaps another Steve Jobs. You never know, right? 

And that's all she wrote. Have a great day. I was planning to cover the Driven Music Conference, but felt compelled to share this with you first after my experience this morning.

Today's the day though!:) Stay tuned. 

My thoughts on @HangoverPartII, Todd Phillips, #Knight and Day, Ed Schultz aka @WeGotEd, Margarita Wrestling in #Hermosa Beach, @CANOW, and #pornography

By Joy A. Kennelly

Have been wanting to write on this subject for quite awhile, but needed to let it simmer and brew before spilling my thoughts here. This weighs heavy on my heart and I feel it needs to be addressed.

I recently saw Hangover II and left the theatre feeling violated and disgusted due to the offensive content and pornographic images displayed throughout - a monkey licking a man's hidden penis, a dismembered finger treated cavalierly, excessive drug use, F-bombs dropped every five seconds, naked "she-men" wandering about with breasts and a penis flopping in the wind, gross sexual situations, and more.

It wasn't even funny since as Betsy Sharkey, LA Times Film Critic said best:

"Oh, what a headache-inducing, unapologetic money grab we have in "The Hangover Part II." By the time Bradley Cooper's Phil says, "You know the drill," and the guys start emptying their pockets in search of clues to the latest debacle, you'll be more inclined to groan than giggle."

Read the entire review here by clicking the title: Movie review: 'The Hangover Part II' The sequel seems more interested in box-office loot than laughs. (MY THOUGHTS EXACTLY!!)

Bradley Cooper, left, Zach Galifianakis and Ed Helms star in "The Hangover II (Warner Bros. Pictures) May 26, 2011 By Betsy Sharkey, Los Angeles Times Film Critic

And here's a little highlight from the film you have yet to read or hear about it in the US. 

Stuntman's family 'angry over Hangover 2'

"The family of an Australian stuntman seriously injured while filming The Hangover 2 is angry that the stunt footage has been included in the trailer of the final film.

Last December, Scott McLean — the stunt double for actor Ed Helms — was left in a coma from a brain injury after performing on the set of the movie sequel filmed in Thailand, the Sun Herald reports.

During the scene, Helms' character sticks his head out of the car window during a chase through the streets of Bangkok and is then hit by an oncoming truck.

The car was meant to swerve away from the truck at the last minute but did not.

'To have that scene used in the preview is a real kick in the face to all those who know Scott. It is sickening to watch, as we all know what happens next,' his sister-in-law, Michelle McLean, told the Sun Herald."

Click here for the entire story: http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/movies/sickening-stunt-shocks-family-20110528-1f9ha.html

(TODD PHILIPS, WHERE'S YOUR HUMAN DECENCY? THIS IS MORE EVIDENCE OF YOU ONLY SEEKING THE ALMIGHTY DOLLAR RATHER THAN BEING HUMAN. Click the title and links to read the awful story. Why is no one covering this over here? Are you all so cowed by the adage, "This is Hollywood and the show must go on" you refuse to be decent? I don't get it.)

I don't normally always agree with the critics since I liked Knight and Day (which I found funny, creative, exciting, entertaining, clean, with beautiful locales... a total escape film which is why I go to the movies in the first place), but on Hangover II?

I agree wholeheartedly with the critics. (Click every Hangover II link I've posted to read a different reviewer's perspective since I was shocked to see how many panned this and thought you might enjoy reading the variety too. If you click the one in this section you will find Movieline's review which I thought was appropriately fitting The 9 Most Scathing Critical Responses to The Hangover Part II)

I read another Hangover II review where the critic said it was nothing more than a rehash of the jokes of the first one which may be why I didn't laugh as much or find this one as charming.

At all.

I especially loved Betsy's last line that she hopes this is the end of the line for such a film unless the accountants have a vote. Exactly. She's not the only critic, myself included, to say this either.

This is not what filmmaking should be about, but in Hollywood it so often is which is why I'm excited to work on the LA Film Fest to actually see art films that have meaning, soul, creativity, originality, and thought, rather than box office goals only.

But I digress.

What the other Hangover II reviewers don't mention, perhaps because they're so jaded they don't see it any more, but what struck me on this film and also in Old School, is the mean spiritedness and cold view of women Todd Phillips takes in every film.

I bet anything he watches tons of porn and as a result is embittered against women and detached from sexual situations that are realistic and humane.

Here's what the UK Independent Film Critic had to say about Hangover II, "The only difference is that The Hangover Part II is set in Bangkok, which is represented as one of the less salubrious Circles of Hell....This time, their ordeal is so grim that the film threatens to stop being a comedy and become a dark thriller with a few genitalia jokes thrown in."

Exactly.

It was so dark in moments it ceased being funny and you wondered why you were even watching and spent money to be subjected to it. I'm sure there are people who will see this film and think nothing of it, but it grieved my spirit to sit in front of teenage boys and realize this is how they will view women as they enter adulthood.

Why does NOW allow women to continually be portrayed as nothing more than hookers, sex objects, throw aways, etc in film? Why aren't they funding films with women directors, women screenwriters, and women actors? Why aren't they speaking out against Hollywood Directors who continue to portray women like this?

Perhaps they are and I don't know of it, but I doubt it. Why do men in Hollywood always dictate how women are portrayed? Why do we as women allow this to continue?

I see the roles and shows that are coming out now and almost every casting call on LA Casting is for sexual situations, sex talk, naked women, etc. When did this become the norm? Where's the real stories of women's experiences? Why are we allowing ourselves to be reduced to only our body parts so easily?

I was so angry leaving the theatre after wasting money on Hangover II I was tempted to begin producing films myself. I thought there has to be better stories out there. There have to be films with human qualities which uplift the human experience, rather than tear it down to it's basest level as this one did.

I know some of you have been reading my blog for awhile and noticed the pictures of certain porn stars I posted which probably has you confused. Let me explain. When I meet someone at a party, I see them as human first, their job second. I may not always agree with their lifestyle choices, but I respect them as human beings and they have value to me as people.

That's why when I met the woman who had been involved with margarita wrestling back when I was campaigning vigorously against it at a party recently, we were able to laugh, hug and accept we held different viewpoints once we figured out how we knew each other, and that was ok.

We're human. We're bound to hold different viewpoints because that's what makes life fun and interesting! What I think is sad are Dems who are so tightly wrapped up in their political identity they can't laugh at themselves and accept others who may hold a different viewpoint than their own.

Very sad commentary on life if you ask me. Life is bigger than politics people. Get over it! It's only politics...

However that said about that, I do not endorse, condone or support pornography at all.

Here's why: 

THE INDIVIDUAL AND PORNOGRAPHY

• Pornography is addictive, and neuroscientists are beginning to map the biological substrate of this addiction.
• Users tend to become desensitized to the type of pornorgraphy they use, become bored with it, and then seek more perverse forms of pornography.
• Men who view pornography regularly have a higher tolerance for abnormal sexuality, including rape, sexual aggression, and sexual promiscuity.
• Prolonged consumption of pornography by men produces stronger notions of women as commodities or as "sex objects."
• Pornography engenders greater sexual permissiveness, which in turn leads to a greater risk of out-of-wedlock births and STDs. These, in turn, lead to still more weaknesses and debilities.
• Child-sex offenders are more likely to view pornography regularly or to be involved in its distribution.

OTHER EFFECTS OF PORNOGRAPHY

• Many adolescents who view pornography initially feel shame, diminished self-confidence, and sexual uncertainty, but these feelings quickly shift to unadulterated enjoyment with regular viewing.

Want more reasons? Read this analysis by clicking the title:

THE EFFECTS OF PORNOGRAPHY ON INDIVIDUALS, MARRIAGE, FAMILY AND COMMUNITY By Patrick F. Fagan, Ph.D.

to fully understand what your pornography usage is doing to you and society as a whole as a result.

Did I say you? If the shoe fits...

You know who I'm talking to.

What I would love to see happen, but doubt it will ever happen in my lifetime, is to see more females involved in more aspects of filmmaking - creative development, pre-production, production and editing. We have a unique sensibility and ability to see when men have crossed the line many don't see because they're so far over it they don't even realize it exists any more. 

But it does. And it has. Todd Phillips is fooling himself if he really believes he knows when he's crossed a line because that line is so far crossed in Hangover II even all the critics are discussing it.

Don't believe me? Click on all the Hangover Part II links I've added since each one reflects a different reviewer's opinion.

That's why I am speaking out in hopes others will too. That's why I spoke out against margarita wrestling in Hermosa Beach when I learned they were filming it illegally without paying the city any taxes and exposing them to huge liabilities.

It's why I speak out against NOW for being only political, not really gender based equality any more when they allow people like Ed from MSNBC to get away with calling a conservative woman vile things with no recourse from them.

MSNBC's double standard on Ed Schultz's 'slut' disgrace MSNBC acts righteous at the sexist slur against Laura Ingraham, but the liberal network is a repeat enabler of casual misogyny

Where's the gender equality in that? Total BS. I wouldn't join such a biased organization as NOW if you paid me. When you defend all women equally, not only those who support a certain political viewpoint, then maybe.

But now? NEVER!

I believe it's an outdated organization that needs to be revamped and rehauled to reflect who they really are, an arm of the Democrat party only. Rather than NOW, they should rename themselves NOD - National Organization of Democrats. It's more accurate and reflects their base and core values because they sure as hell aren't reflecting mine or all women.

I'll never forget how brave I thought the former President of NOW, Shelly Mandel, was to speak on the same platform as Sarah Palin when she first came out on the political arena. I wondered if she knew she was committing political suicide in that organization to stand with someone who reflected gender equality, yet didn't reflect their politics.

Made me smile and proud of her for being bold and standing up for what was right and ground-breaking for all women, a woman running for the highest office of the land.

Don't believe it really happened? Read this article: 

LA NOW Prez on Palin: 'America, This is What a Feminist Looks Like'

"Shelly Mandel, the president of the Los Angeles chapter of the National Organization for Women introduced Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin over the weekend in California, speaking not on behalf of NOW but 'as an individual, as a woman's rights activist for 30 years who has worked for all those years to see this day.'

Going through her feminist bona fides -- the International Women's Year, the Equal Rights Amendment, Geraldine Ferraro -- Mandell said she is 'proud to support Sarah Palin, a woman who will fight for women's rights ... a woman who will, Lord knows, shake things up.'

'Make no mistake,' Mandell said. 'I'm a life-long Democrat ... I don't agree with Gov. Palin on several issues.' And yet, she said, 'I know Sarah Palin cares about women’s rights, she cares about equality, she cares about equal pay, and as Vice President she will fight for it. She cares about our children and she cares about women's lives. She's an athlete and she knows what Title Nine did for girls like her.'"

It didn't take CA NOW long to denounce her though: NOW PAC Supports Obama/Biden Ticket, Not Palin I've always wondered if Shelly Mandel is still with the organization any more. If you know let me know. Very curious.:)

That's all I really wanted to say. It's time for women to speak up and take back our "image" on the big screen, the media and politics. It's time for more women to be willing to speak out against pornography and gender bias in all aspects of life, not just those that fit neatly in a group think situation.

Don't just complain among your friends if you don't like something.

Write letters to the editor of your local papers. Call your congressmen and senators to complain. Boycott films like Hangover II. Make your voice heard.

"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." (Edmund Burke)  Click the quote to read  an interesting article on the subject.

Your voice can make a difference. Speak now, or forever live with the consequences. 

What a great weekend - just what the doctor ordered

By Joy A. Kennelly

This has been one of the most spontaneous weekends I've had in forever. Saturday included attending my friend's child's preschool graduation dinner celebration which is always adorable because they love my attention.

The littlest got to pick the restaurant and when I was telling Kirsten some of the questions I had asked at my last event like what is your favorite South Bay restaurant, Kira piped up and said what is yours Auntie Joy? I knew I had to win points so I said why Mimi's of course (since that's where she had chosen to celebrate.)

She was so thrilled she said "That was a good answer." all proud and all like she's got it going on with choosing great places to eat. Too cute. I just love those kids. I love Kirsten too. She's family to me and like the sister I always wanted. Good, good, good people.

Then spent some time with the parents who always crack me up because they bicker over politics like nobody's business (I think my mom has a slight crush on Newt Gingrich to be honest!) before dashing off home to get ready for The Young Dubliners at St. Rocke - a place I like to call the South Bay's House of Blues.

Very modern, sophisticated, stunningly beautiful lounge and restaurant. Highly, highly recommend a visit. Great music too. It's new so if you haven't heard of it, it's the one which replaced the old Pitcher House. You must check it out sometime. Tell 'em Joy sent you. :)

Didn't have a chance to experience the food since it was 11pm when the band came on, but did enjoy the ambiance and electric vibe of everyone attending. Lots and lots of fun. It was so nice to drive 15 minutes and be some place like that. Normally I drive an hour each way when I go to Hollywood. OY! With gas the way it is now too...

Sunday of course hit Bay Cities Community Church like I always do and heard Jim's Father's Day sermon on Understanding Men. I think I'm beginning to understand them more. Now just need to find one to practice on! LOL

I get that men compartmentalize things. I understand men can't multi-task. I also understand men think about SEX all the time. Let's see what else? Oh, men do nothing that's how they get unstressed whereas women feel better when we talk through our stress. So true! It was a good reminder though. I love going to church because I always hear what I need to hear to live a better life in all areas of my life.

Dashed to Dad's to give him his Father's Day card and gift. Was going to cook him a special dinner, but mom had started already so just made brownies instead. I'm much more of a baker than a cook so it's all good. I need to find a man who likes to cook!:)

Afterwards, spur of the moment, was invited to join a few friends to watch the USA vs. Barbados soccer match at Home Depot in VIP seats. I grew up playing AYSO soccer and thought maybe we'd see David Beckham. We were a wee bit late and if he played, we missed him. Bummer. I am a blonde though so if I got my teams mixed up... Sorry, my bad.

I got some great pix though which I'll have to upload another time. It was great to see the huge American flag in the stadium and see how patriotic everyone was. Go America!

I am absolutely LOVING this camera! It takes the best pictures so easily and quickly. Now if I would only read the manual I bet my pictures would be even better! (I'm not just saying that. Numerous people have said I should enter some contests and you know what? I'm going to! Why not. It's a fun hobby and I'm having a lot of fun with it.)

After the game came back to the Beach House Hotel to connect with some of Joy's friends. Yes, there are now two of us living in the South Bay and we're now the bestest of friends. With a name like Joy, you can't be unhappy for long right? I've only met two other Joys in my lifetime and we've always become fast friends.

There were too many women at the suite party (all very nice, but not what we had in mind so...) left to find greener pastures. Hit a few spots and then dropped into The Shore to share it with my friends. Chef Dave was there and made everyone the best appetizers ever.

I didn't know this, but apparently The Shore won numerous food awards recently by all the local papers. They're sending me the specifics and then I'll post them here to let you know too. They have been working very hard for over the past six months to build the restaurant side of the business since the live entertainment side is great. Yes, they do serve food and not just alcohol. It's true!

Mike, one of the owners, told me that they were extremely close to their 50/50 (I believe he said it was 46.1/ whatever the difference to that is) and since they have such an amazing chef and cuisine, it's only a matter of time before they're completely in balance if not over. I wish them well in achieving that goal.

That's what I like about these guys. They really see what they need to do and they're busting their butt to do it. Not that others haven't, but apparently Dave is one of the higher paid chefs in the South Bay and rightly so. The food is that good. (Full disclosure, I'm publicizing them now, but I would say it regardless. I don't lie and you know me! I love to eat!)

I don't have all the pix of the food and such uploaded yet, but promise to put them up soon. You will want to make the trek to the beach to check it out I promise you that. Here's a few to pique your appetite.

I'll post the press release for this upcoming tasting party soon too. Just waiting on a couple more things to finalize first ok?

After a lazy, fun, delicious afternoon being pampered and catered to by Chef Dave (delicious, fresh food and smooth wine), we wandered back to Joy's house to catch the final minutes of the Laker's game.

Go Lakers! It seems like high drama and totally fixed from an outsider's perspective because why else would the games go the full 7? Some of the injuries people have told me look totally fake, but hey, this is only my third game watching ever so what do I know?

That's what was so funny about today. I'm totally not that into sports and today was just filled with them! First soccer, then basketball. Oh, and even a little golf. What's happening to me? I don't recognize myself! Guess that's what happens when you hang in the South Bay long enough. That's what everyone else is into. Okay, now I get it.

It was just simply the best day. I'll upload pix soon. Have a good one. Now to get ready for my very busy week.

Good night!

I've been so inspired by Lysa Terkeurst this morning...

By Joy A. Kennelly

I just found an old devotional from Proverbs 31 Ministries that I almost deleted without reading, but I'm so glad I took the time to read this! Lysa TerKeurst is the most amazing woman! She's the President of Proverbs 31 ministry which I'm always quoting here because I just love their devotionals so much.

Here's their Mission Statement off the website and I quote:

"Proverbs 31 Ministries brings God’s peace, perspective, and purpose to today’s busy woman.
               
Proverbs 31 Ministries is a non-denominational, non-profit Christian ministry that seeks to lead women into a personal relationship with Christ. With Proverbs 31:10-31 as a guide, Proverbs 31 Ministries reaches women right in the middle of their busy day through free daily devotions, radio program, speaking events, conferences, monthly magazine, resources, online communities, and Gather and Grow groups. We are real women offering real-life solutions to women who are striving to maintain life’s balance, in spite of today’s hectic pace and cultural pull away from godly principals. Wherever a woman may be on her spiritual journey, Proverbs 31 Ministries exists to be a trusted friend who takes her by the hand and walks by her side, leading her one step closer to the heart of God."

She was also featured on Oprah last year for her adoption of two Liberian orphans which inspired the rest of her community of Christian friends to adopt over 31 other orphans too! Here's a link to that story here. What an amazing testimony to her life and the influence she has had on so many people.

It brought tears to my eyes watching it again. Please take a moment to watch it too because you will love it! I had seen this Oprah show back then, but had no idea Lysa was involved with this ministry group at all. God is so amazing in how He uses the simplest, humblest people in the world to accomplish great things.

What a testimony to God's love, compassion, direction and care for those who are hurting. I have volunteered among Hungarian orphan children right out of college and my heart goes out to any child who must grow up without parents. No matter what we think of the upbringing we might have experienced, at least we had parents who loved us in their own way.

I'm grateful for the Christian values my parents instilled in me that I try to live out each day. I don't always do a good job of being Christ-like, but I'm trying at least. That's what so great about being a Christian. We're all human and we fail, but God loves us and accepts us right where we are. While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us and became the way for us to have a right relationship with God.

What I love about that too, is that it's a free gift from God that anyone can take advantage of. It's not limited to race, upbringing, status in life, or anything else that society normally tries to discriminate against. When I was little struggling with this concept, I didn't think God would love me because of my freckles!

However, God's love and acceptance is pure, all encompassing and there for the taking whenever you're ready to reach out and accept Him into your life.

What's so amazing about God too is that He will change your life from the inside out. No matter how horrible a life you might have lived until this point, God will cleanse you of your sins and make you pure again. When we sin, we just need to ask for forgiveness, repent, and try to use that experience as a chance to move forward and not repeat it again. If you've been reading for awhile, you know I mess up constantly, but I do try to make amends and move forward.

My heart's desire from anyone reading my blog is to realize that yes, I can totally "F" up and I've done it publicly often. However, I also accept my error and confess my sin to you and to God to become a better person. God is so much bigger than anything bad we've ever done.

If you are reading my blog and wonder how can you too have a faith in God that will radically change who you are right now, then please read the following. I've taken it from a cool website called The Road to Salvation and if you click on the link, you can receive a free Bible.

I'm not the best evangelist so read what this person says as the way to come to know God and I quote:

"If you have made the choice to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior you may say this prayer as a way to express your new found faith in Jesus. The prayer and the words themselves do not provide for salvation, but the belief in what those words mean - the free salvation of God - is what is important to God. Prayer is talking with God. God knows your heart and is not so concerned with your words as He is with the attitude of your heart.

The following is a suggested prayer:

Dear God,

I acknowledge that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. I believe that He was born of the Virgin Mary. I believe that He died on the cross, that His blood was shed for my sins and that He arose from the dead. I confess that I have disobeyed your commandments.

I ask you to forgive me for these sins. I now ask Jesus to come into my heart. Be my Savior. Be my Lord. Be my soon coming King. I will live my life to obey your teaching as recorded in the Bible. Thank you, in Jesus name. Amen

Does this prayer express the desire of your heart? If it does, pray this prayer right now as a way to express and confirm your choice to follow Jesus. Christ will come into your life, as He promised and give you eternal life through his sacrifice on the cross.

Questions New Believers have

What is Salvation?

Who is God?

What is the Bible?

Who is Jesus Christ?

What is sin?

Why does God allow sin?

Can any sin be forgiven?

What is Grace?

How does faith in God's grace bring salvation?

Here's the answers:

Who is God?

God is the creator of the heavens and the earth, He is our savior, He is our heavenly Father to those who become His children by faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. God is eternal, holy, infinite, just, omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient and God is Love!

Isaiah 40:28

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth, He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom.

John 4:7-9

Let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God because God is love. This is how God showed His love He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might love through Him.

What is the Bible?

The bible is God's message to us, it is His Word and it can be trusted to tell us the truth about Him. The bible gives us insight into the will of God and prepares us to do His work.

Timothy 3:16-17

All scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Who is Jesus Christ?

Christ is the Son of God who makes us sons and daughters of God through faith. Christ is the only way to salvation.

John 14:6

I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

What is sin?

We sin when we commit acts which are contrary to God's holy standard of righteousness. We sin when we fail to do what we know is the right thing to do. We sin when we have unrighteous attitudes.  We have ALL sinned and must look to Jesus Christ for Salvation.

Romans 3:23

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Why does God allow sin? God created man with the freedom to choose. He did not want robots that were forced to respond to His every direction. He took a risk in order to have a relationship with His created beings.

Can any sin be forgiven?

Forgiveness is not based on the magnitude of the sin, but the magnitude of the forgiver's love. No sin is too great for God's complete and unconditional love. Forgiveness means that God looks at us as though we never sinned.

Isaiah 1:18

Come now, let us argue this out, says the Lord. No matter how deep the stain of your sins, I can remove it. I can make you as freshly fallen snow. Even if you are stained as red as crimson, I can remove it. I can make you as white as wool.

What is Grace?

When the bible says we are saved by grace, it means that God has freely chosen to pardon our sin through  Jesus Christ. We do not have to earn God's love or work our way to heaven. By grace we are forgiven for our sin and restored to full fellowship with God.

Romans 6:23

The wages of sin is death but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.

How does faith in God's grace bring salvation?

Man's belief that Jesus Christ paid the penalty for our sin is all that is required on mans part for belief or faith that Jesus Christ is the means of our salvation is the prerequisite. We do not have salvation without it. We do not receive God's free gift of grace without it.

Acts 16:31

Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.

Okay, that's all the sermon I have for you today. Thanks for stopping by my blog. I know you weren't especially expecting something like this and to be honest, I wasn't expecting to write something like this, but I just felt lead to do so because God has impacted my life in such a strong way.

May He impact yours too. God loves you and so do I! If you're looking for a church to visit this morning, I'd like to invite you to attend Bay Cities Community Church over in Redondo Beach, CA. We have an 8am service, a 9:30am service at this location. Then, over at our Lomita campus we also have a 9:30am and 11:00am if you live closer to that area. Click on the link here for all the directions and information.

There are other churches I like on the links to the left which I hope you'll consider visiting as well if you don't live near here. If you have said that prayer and want to grow in your faith, it's important to get plugged into a church family. Like any family there will be issues, but just know people will love on you and support you like you've never experienced anywhere else. We're not perfect, just forgiven! Trite I know, but true. That forgiveness is available to you too.

If you don't like the first church you visit, please don't give up. Just continue looking because one day you'll walk in and feel like you're home. Since this is Sunday, I just guess it was time for me to preach! Hope you enjoyed the read. God bless you and come back soon. I promise not to always preach, but God put it on my heart today to share His love with you.

Happy Sunday everyone!

 

Sunday sermon on servanthood - it's a good one!

I love my church and the people who go there which is why I just have to share about the message this morning.

Jim, my pastor, has really been teaching a great sermon series called What Are We Here For - What we believe and What it means: Living Out What God Desires. Here's the notes for your edification:

1. That We Live Life Growing. Growing in our Faith
2 Thessalonians 1:3:

Thanksgiving and Prayer

    ³We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing. Ephesians 4:12:
¹²to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up

Ephesians 4:14:

    ¹⁴Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.

Ephesians 4:15:
¹⁵Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.

2. Growing in our Love for God

Colossians 1:10:
¹⁰And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,

3. Growing in our Understanding of Who Christ is

2 Peter 3:18:
¹⁸But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever!

II That We Life Life Connecting

1. Connecting with God in Obedience

John 14:21:
²¹Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him."

2. Connecting to God in Prayer

Philippians 4:6:
⁶Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

3. Connecting with Others in Love

John 13:34:

    ³⁴"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

III That We Live Life Serving - Giving Yourself Away

1. People that listen to God must serve.

Mark 10:42:
⁴²Jesus called them together and said, "You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Mark 10:43-45:
⁴³Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, ⁴⁴and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. ⁴⁵For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

1 Peter 5:2:
²Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve;

2. We are to Serve in all areas of life.

Colossians 3:23:
²³Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,Colossians 3:24:
²⁴since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

1 Peter 4:10:
¹⁰Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.

Galatians 5:13:

    ¹³You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature^[a]; rather, serve one another in love.

3. As we choose to serve we benefit.

1 Timothy 3:13:
¹³Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.

Joshua 24:15:
¹⁵ But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."

God's Hope for All Humanity

1. God Wants People to Be Saved.

1 Timothy 2:4:
⁴who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

2. We Are Part of the Salvation Process.

Acts 1:8:
⁸But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

Acts 13:47:
⁴⁷For this is what the Lord has commanded us:
   " 'I have made you^[a] a light for the Gentiles,
      that you^[b] may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'^[c]"

Matthew 5:13:

Salt and Light

    ¹³"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.

Romans 10:1:

    ¹Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved.

3. Lasting Salvation is Available to Everyone

Romans 10:13:
¹³for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."^[a]

Acts 4:12:
¹²Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."

What this all means to us

1. We have work to do.

Matthew 9:37-38
³⁷Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.³⁸Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."

1 Corinthians 15:57-58
⁵⁷But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁵⁸Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

2. Our Efforts really do matter.
Jude 1:22:

    ²²Be merciful to those who doubt;

1 Corinthians 10:31:

    ³¹So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

This sermon has been brought to you courtesy of Jim Mackinga, Pastor of Bay Cities Community Church. Hope you enjoyed the read! I felt rather convicted about my attitude towards my gig after hearing it and now want to be more servant minded. We shall see!

This weekend was a lot of fun and I'll have to tell you about it some other time. Have a great week!

LA Inc, South Bay, Ralphs Grocery Store, Pavilions and the proposed Business tax hike

By Joy A. Kennelly

My stomach's upset from something I ate last night and I can't sleep so here I am. It's pretty bad when you get sick on the food you cook yourself! LOL It doesn't always happen, but sometimes it does. I think I need to learn how long you can keep uncooked meat in the fridge before it goes bad. Any chefs care to leave a comment?

Hopefully my girlfriends who came over last night aren't facing queasy stomachs too. I'm so bad. Oh well. Live and learn right? It could have been the rich chocolate cake I ate with whipped cream that Kirsten, my girlfriend, brought over too so I'll try to comfort myself with that thought. Or maybe the Martinelli's that Deborah brought over - that always affects my digestion for some odd reason too. Oy Vey!

In any case, just wanted to check in and say hi. I'm so thrilled that linking to that little address listing of Bay Cities Community Church has brought their real Web site to the forefront of Google!!! Now if any of you are interested in learning more about what my church is all about, or where it's located, check out the link ok? Would love to have you join me sometime. Seriously!

Jim Mackinga and his wife Sandy are the most loving, special people. Their whole family is really wonderful actually. Everyone I've met at this church is so friendly, open-minded and great. I just love being part of this community. Say hi to me, since I'd love to meet you as I don't know too many other people down here yet though. Who knows, if you walk through the door, maybe you'll see people you know already!

Did I tell you all that I had a meeting with the Director of Media Relations, Robin,  from LA Inc aka Los Angeles Convention & Visitors Bureau to discuss future work together? We're in the negotiating stages so we'll see, but I'm hopeful this will work out well since they've always appreciated my work to date. It's all a blur on what I've shared here and what I haven't. Excuse me if I'm repeating myself.

I've been writing for LA Inc since 2002 and it's really helped me learn how to present the city of Los Angeles as a whole to the travel media. I've written copy for their Web site, pitched media for special events, and written numerous press releases highlighting all aspects of the city. I love it since it keeps me in the loop for the entire city and I enjoy doing the work. Plus, I'm good at it, if I do say so myself.:)

I'm planning to develop the travel aspect of my business as it applies to the South Bay since I have this experience, knowledge and connections gained from my relationship with LA Inc. Why not? Should be good.

Being away form the South Bay for so long I see it through a tourist's eyes right now. Sometimes that's good. Sometimes that bad. However, there's always room to grow in either direction so I'm excited to see where this new experience will take me and my hometown as a whole.

My Beach Writer group is excited about participating in my new endeavor which will be great because they're all very accomplished writers too. More to be revealed, but just know it's going to be good once it gets going.

I had a great meeting with Gary, my ad/marketing bud, yesterday too and we made some real progress on the concept. I'm excited to see where this all takes us since it has such great potential for positive outcomes for many people and businesses and the community as a whole. God is moving!

Just think - my public relations, Gary's design, and my Beach writers writing -- the skies the limit! I've been very fortunate to create a group of quality professionals (see my links to people I do business with  on the left of this column - those are my colleagues) who support my business in a variety of  ways which is great when I'm working with bigger clients. Now to get some interns to work with me and I'm all set.

So, for those of you still trying to decide what to do tomorrow (or should I say today since it's 4:30am in the morning Sunday - oy vey - someone give me a tranquilizer or pump my stomach...:) Ok, where was I? Oh yeah, what to do on Sunday after you've gone to church? Here's a few blurbs from the Easy Reader on a couple of fun events that only happen in the South Bay and I quote:

"Surfers Walk of Fame inductions
Eight surfing figures will be inducted into the Surfers Walk of Fame today at 4 p.m. Sunday at the base of the city pier. Inducted at the fifth annual Surfers Walk ceremony will be honorary members John “Whitney” Guild, Alf Lewis, Mike Stevenson and Donald Takayama, and pioneer members Toby Erlinger, Bev Morgan, Patrick O’Connor and Rosemarie Reimers-Rice."

The induction sounds cute and since you're down here, why don't you go to dinner, enjoy yourself and then hurry over to the beach to claim your "seat" for the huge summer Sunset Concert that happens at 6pm? Here's more details, again from the Easy Reader:

"It’s The Shondells, dude!
Hermosa Beach’s second Sunset Concert of the summer offers up the near-edible “Crimson and Clover” and “Sweet Cherry Wine” Tommy James & The Shondells. 6 p.m. on the sand, just south of the pier, and best get there early. 310-318-0280."

Now I'm not really into oldies music, but I am curious to see who is so I'll pop by for a bit. I just have this real curiosity about the people and the customs down here since some of it is new to me. I like to see what demographic these kinds of events appeal to too because then it helps me with my marketing.

If you know who you're trying to reach and what they like, then you have a better time of appealing to them. Just a little PR tip. Duh, right? But so many people just blindly create things without understanding the market and they fail as a result. That's why I'm trying to take as many meetings with influential people of the South Bay as possible so I understand where people's heads are at. We'll see.

I'm excited, more good meetings to happen soon. I'll keep you posted once there's a little more concrete plans in place. Hope you'll join me. I look forward to getting to know my South Bay neighbors better.

Ok, now that I've blogged, maybe I can go back to sleep. Have a good morning. Maybe I'll see you at the Pier events today! Just think, maybe an older, more mature, non-drunk population shows up for these events changing the demographic of the Hermosa Beach pier for once - what a novel concept, eh?

Would be nice to walk around there and not have to avoid the barf left staining the concrete from some stupid person the night before. ICKY! Since when is our Hermosa Beach Pier the place for 20 year olds to come and get wasted? Time to grow up people! 

Go to Alcoholics Anonymous, go to Rehab, go to church, go somewhere, but get your drinking under control if you're barfing in public and ruining a public place for others. YUCK. That's what I'm talking about people. The first step is accepting the fact you have a problem. If you need me to be the one to make you stop and look at yourself, then so be it.

I just hope you don't kill someone first driving home drunk before you wake up and smell the coffee. Yes Devin, everyone is responsible for their own drinking, but when it begins to affect the public and create the possibility for drunk driving, then that person's responsibility has obviously gone out the window and it's time someone speaks up. Plus, who wants to date or be married to an alcoholic? I feel like I'm doing an intervention for my city! Okay, enough of my soapbox. I need an Al Anon meeting.

I'll leave you with this cute story since it's so South Bay to me. Remember that very sweet slow boy I told you about who works at Ralphs? Well, last night I popped in for some things I needed for my dinner with the girls and he was in my check-out line.

As I was standing there waiting for the cashier to ring up the guy in front of me, all of sudden, quite loudly, I hear him say to me, "YOU LOOK BEAUTIFUL IN PINK TONIGHT." I was really embarrassed since he said it so loudly that people were turning to me and smiling, but I thought he was so cute and sincere I responded thank you and pretended like that happens to me all the time.

Then he tells me loudly again that his birthday is December 1 and do I know how quickly 8 months goes? VERY QUICKLY, very quickly. I agreed with him and made a mental note that I want to give him a birthday card on his birthday since it obviously means a great deal to him. He seemed content that I'd acknowledged him and was nice to him and didn't speak much until he wished me a great evening as he passed me my bags.

If you ever get a chance to visit the Ralphs down on Sepulveda just up from Pier Avenue, do. I think that guy is the sweetest person he makes me shop there because I enjoy my visits so much since he's so innocent and pure in all his communications.

I remember reading in some mag about another similar slow guy at another grocery store who was challenged by his store manager to make a difference as part of a store-wide initiative to bring in new business. This directive was given to the entire store, but this little guy took it to heart.

He began writing little positive sayings on slips of paper and putting each slip into people's grocery bags as he bagged their groceries. Pretty soon people began to stand in his line to receive the sayings they were so popular. He totally changed the m.o. of people visiting that store and business flourished ten-fold as a result of his small action. They began talking to each other in line and were happier.

That's how my little Ralphs guy makes me feel when I shop there. He's always courteous, interested in how I'm doing, and obviously cares about doing a good job. I think it's great that Roger Bacon of Ralphs has hired him. I hope he keeps him around for a long time. I hope that business flourishes just like that store with the other slow guy does.

Maybe Roger should implement the sayings too? Just think, maybe then he could afford the raise in business taxes that's being proposed - LOL. Does anyone else find that funny that he's so vocal about the measure? I could see some of the smaller stores in town being upset, but a major grocery store - give me a break!

Yes, it's a bummer to have to pay more taxes, but since when does $168 a year really pay for how much business you generate Roger? Where's your sense of civic duty?  Santa Monica charges small business owners twice that amount! Why shouldn't we bring our taxes current?

Going back to my original point of customer service being key, who knows what a different community this might be if that little effort to personalize your store's service was made? I don't know. Not saying it has to be done, but hey, if it worked at another similar store, then why not give it a try? You never know.

I do know that one of the main reasons I like shopping at the Pavilions down the street even though their prices are higher is because every single time I've ever asked for help finding something, the person working there who I've asked has personally walked me over to the section for my item and told me to have a nice day. That type of customer service is unheard of up in Hollywood. I love it!

It's nice to live in a community where you see familiar faces, people are sincere in their greetings to you when they see you, and there's a real sense of community tangible in the air. It's hard to describe to people who don't live here, but trust me, it's here. That's why I moved back and that's why I enjoy it.

On another note... I'm sure there's plenty of bars that have a lot at stake in this measure to increase the business tax too. Wouldn't it be nice if they actually gave back to the community rather than just take? Just a thought from an objective public relations specialist viewpoint.

What a great publicity angle to say, "Yes, we're making a shitload of money (excuse my French as my friends always say) from this city and as a result, we've decided to do the right thing and give back to the community by being willing to pay more taxes since we obviously use a lot more of the cities resources in police, trash, and other business." What a great story that would be to the greater Los Angeles area!

I can see it now - the Los Angeles Business Journal, The LA Times, CNBC and other news outlets picking up this story. Very interesting thought, eh? Maybe they'll read my blog and find it interesting that a city that has had the same business tax for years and years is having such great difficulty even putting a measure on the ballot for the general public to vote on. What are they afraid of?

I doubt the Beach Reporter finds it a story though seeing as part of the service the Manhattan Beach Chamber offers is an article in that paper for membership. Kind makes it difficult to keep your editorial perspective clean when your advertising revenue is generated by so many of the businesses you're writing about right? So many small papers will offer you a story if you buy an ad (not saying The Beach Reporter does it though) and I find that practice despicable from a journalist standpoint.

If someone has to buy their way into a paper to have a story written what does that say about the integrity of the story? It happens all the time with small papers though. The ad department begins to control the editorial which makes the balanced ethical reporting of an issue go out the window.

That's why when people want to pay me as a PR person strictly based on whether or not I can guarantee they'll get media coverage I refuse. If the media is doing their job, then they won't be bought and I won't influence them to write a story about my client unless there's a real news story there. That's why I'm real particular about who I work with and very selective on when I send out press releases.

If I can't help you or I don't think you're newsworthy, I won't take your money. I just turned away a short filmmaker the other day who was just oozing money because I didn't think his film would get picked up as news until he got it into a festival. Now him as a filmmaker, he was very interesting and I could see him personally getting coverage now, but a short film- not so much. I used to produce film festivals for years and know this world quite well.

Plus, I bounce things off my other colleague, Marcia, who also has done lots of film publicity and she agreed with me. We always collaborate. Same with my friends Kim Koury and Adrienne Dorsey. Great people to collaborate with.

I have found it interesting that every press release I've ever sent The Beach Reporter which has been picked up by other news sources numerous times, hasn't been picked up by that paper. Makes me wonder if my letter to the editor will see the light of day since I'm not a chamber member, nor have I bought an ad to promote my services since that would defeat what my business is all about! Maybe since my letterhead has my Santa Monica mailing address there's a bias in that regards too? Who knows...LOL

Ok, back to the proposed Hermosa Beach Business Tax Increase issue at hand.

What's up with the "private" meeting on July 31? I don't get it.  Makes you wonder what the city council is thinking doesn't it? What's going on behind those closed doors? Aren't they supposed to be the ones who help the city to take care of itself? Why wouldn't this measure not be a no-brainer - raising the current tax of $168/year to something that's commensurate with your business revenue?

I'm confused and just asking that's all. I'm not into politics, but thought that's why people put these people in office-- to make the city a better place to live, not keep things status quo. Think of the money that would bring in the city! Pretty amazing things could be done then.

That's one of the things that drive me crazy about the South Bay (small town politics!), but there's a lot of good things down here too which I'd rather focus on and move forward with. Stay tuned.  But don't worry. I'm not running for office any time soon. Have you ever watched the city council meetings on TV? BORING!!!!!! It's like watching paint dry. However, the city characters do liven it up a bit when they speak their piece.

So, now I really better try to go back to sleep because I want to hit the 9:30am service of Bay Cities and get chuched. And no, I didn't misspell that word - that's a spillover from my days at my gospel church.

See ya!

Entourage, The Blog/Zine Network, Frontline Writing, Bay Cities Church, Trilogy Spa

By Joy A. Kennelly

Entourage was great tonight! Totally cracks me up. Can you imagine hating someone so much and then being stuck working with them over and over again? I can't! This plot line is great - can't wait for next week.The drug scene was a little excessive though. I wouldn't doubt this type BS goes on in Hollywood, but I've been very fortunate never to be a part of it. Not my scene. At all.

Moving right along.

Met with my Blog/Zine Network group today which was interesting as usual. We had more new people join us (for some reason I'm having deja vu. Did I write this last month? Oy vey!) Learned some new blogging tips which is always helpful. That's why I started this particular blog with my "byline." We'll see what happens doing that. Just curious.

David Tandet of Frontline Writing had some interesting Web sites for us to review and utilize in the future. I would tell you, but then I'd have to shoot you since you haven't joined the group yet! Just kidding. But seriously, if you want to learn about blogging, join us. I'm going to start inviting more guest speakers to come and we'll all learn how to grow this type "business" together!

Bay Cities Community Church was good as always. Sometimes music just hits my spirit and today I was tearing up again. I can just see myself on stage crying occasionally if I do sing with the worship team, but hey, I'm an emotional person and music can hit your emotions. So! We shall see!

Enjoyed hitting Trilogy Spa Hermosa Beach today after church for a bit. Was supposed to have a friend join me, but she was upset I switched day spas on her last minute so she bailed. I felt really, really bad at first, but after enjoying the rain shower and the floating water bed experience, I was feeling no pain. I really like their mango coconut sugar scrub - I smell so yummy! Don'tcha wish you were here with me right now? I smell good enough to eat! LOL

I was feeling pretty good about myself after that treat. I guess it showed because men were real attentive to me at the smog place. I must buy more dresses! It's nice to be feminine, especially since it's been so hot.

Now to get up early and take care of business. Last night some of the drunk idiots either visiting people here, or who live here were talking loudly and trying to climb our back wall at 3am. The bastards. I almost yelled, but when I opened the window wider I think they got the hint and shut up. OY VEY! More drunken idiots in the South Bay. Oh well.

I know I'd hear drunks a lot in certain parts of Hollywood too, but I've just never lived near this type behavior before - lucky I guess. At least people haven't been doing their stupid "Woo Hoo" calls since I told one of my neighbors that whoever did that at 2 and 3am were asses. Word travels fast I guess. It's not Georgia's Rules - it's Joy's Rules. JUST KIDDING!

I just find it highly disrespectful to be loud and obnoxious when people living here have small children. Maybe those "Woo Hoo" people have moved out or something. Good.

I'll get off my soapbox now.

Life is good.

I love my place, love my pool, love my friends down here, and love the beauty of the South Bay.

I just love being able to drive down PCH and look over to see the ocean whenever I'm at a crossroads of streets. There's just something majestic about an endless ocean that goes off into the horizon.

And with that, I'll bid you good night.

Sleep tight. God bless.

This little devotional came just at the right time - check it out

This isn't something I've written, but something I receive daily called "Encouragement for Today Daily Devotional." It blessed me (especially in light of what's going on with me right now) and I hope it does you too.

Welcome to Encouragement for Today Daily Devotional, a free devotional from Crosswalk.com, the world's largest Christian website.

June 29, 2007                                             Honest Prayer

By Rachel Olsen

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6 (NIV)

 Devotion:

Have you ever shaken your fist at God over His answer to your prayers, or lack of answers?

Have you grown angry with Him over the injustices in your life?

If so, you’ll be able to relate to the prophet Habakkuk, living roughly 600 years before Christ. His book of the Bible begins with this complaint: “How long, O Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, “Violence!” but you do not save me. Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrong?” (Hab.1:2-3, NIV). God answered Habakkuk by telling him to be patient and to watch, that He will do amazing things and usher in justice, but only in His timing.

Passionate, honest, gut-level, even angry prayers have been recorded through out the Bible. Habakkuk wasn’t the only one to complain. Moses, Gideon, and Elijah all questioned God. Job questioned his reason for existence, and cursed the day God made him. Job said, “I loathe my very life; therefore I will give free rein to my complaint and speak out in the bitterness of my soul. I will say to God, Do not condemn me, but tell me what charges you have against me. Does it please you to oppress me, to spurn the work of your hands...?” (Job 10:1-3, NIV).

In his anguish Job accused God of afflicting people for no reason (Job 9:17), overwhelming people with misery (Job 9:18), not caring about injustice (Job 9:22, 24), and laughing at the pain of the innocent (Job 9: 22). Of course these accusations are not accurate, but it is true that is how we often feel in times of severe suffering or testing. God knows our deepest thoughts and feelings, so it’s futile to think we can hide them from Him. Better to come clean with how we really feel, get it off our chest in prayer, and clear the way to hear and receive God’s answer or comfort.

I’ve complained to God for allowing my loved ones to die or fall deep into sin, for allowing valuable things to be stolen from me, for allowing my reputation to be unfairly tarnished, for allowing physical suffering in my body, or for not allowing what I feel I deserve. I have found the best thing I can do is honestly take those feelings to God where they can be traded for His perspective and His comforting assurance. Though God may not always change my circumstances the way I want Him to, He can and does change my perspective on those circumstances and enable me to endure them.

God listens when we complain about injustice. He hates seeing the unrighteous prosper as much as we do, particularly when it’s at the hands of the innocent. He understands when we feel shortchanged or opposed. Read through the gospel accounts of Jesus’ life and you’ll be reminded just how much Jesus can relate!

I urge you to be honest before God in prayer today. While maintaining a degree of holy respect for Him and thanksgiving for your life, pour out the good, the bad and the ugly of your feelings. As Habakkuk, Job and others discovered, God can handle your intense emotions and questions. Though He rarely explains Himself fully to us – perhaps because we can’t fully understand this side of eternity – He does flood us with His power, love and peace when we come humbly and honestly before Him and pour out our heart.

Dear Lord, it’s hard for me to understand Your ways. It’s hard for me to overlook offenses. It’s hard for me to deal graciously with the difficult situations or people in my life. Sometimes I grow angry with You for allowing them into my life. But I don’t want to be a bitter, miserable person. Help me to see through Your eyes, and to endure all that You allow into my life with Your grace. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Just a reminder of God's goodness

This came as just the right time. I hope you're encouraged by it as much as I've been. Amen.

Just a Reminder

By Melissa Taylor

“I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.” Psalm 16:8 (NLT)

Devotion:

A few months ago, I went to a weight loss center. Once again, I was ready to lose weight. The first thing my encouraging counselor asked me to do was to write a letter to myself. “Why?” I asked. She replied, “I want you to remember how you feel right now and why getting healthy is a priority in your life. Over time, you may forget. If you do, I’m going to mail it to you to serve as just a reminder.”

I have found that I often need reminders. I’m a visual person, so visual cues are quite useful to me. I have scripture cards on the inside of my cabinets to bring God’s Word to mind during the day. There is a picture of my niece in my car to remind me to pray for my sister’s family. My laundry room is covered with post it notes containing God’s Word reminding me to be thankful for the laundry I am doing and the blessings who wear those clothes. In our kitchen we have a calendar containing the family’s schedule and my life could not function without the reminders I keep in my daily planner. We need reminders to keep us on track, but we also need to be reminded of how special God is. 

A few years ago I went to the store in search of a card for my husband. It wasn’t our anniversary or his birthday; I just wanted to get him a card reminding him of how special he was to me. An unexpected thing happened that day. The first card I picked up read:

In this stressful world,

Yours is the presence that quiets me,

The voice that calms me,

The touch that comforts me…

…the love that helps me remember what is most important in each day.

You’re everything to me.

As I closed this card, my eyes filled with tears. The words were beautiful, only they weren’t meant for my husband. They were meant for my Lord. I did not buy my sweet husband a card that day, and I think he would understand. I bought a card for God instead, to serve as just a reminder.

The words on this card remind me Who I can turn to, Who can comfort me, and Who should be my everything. And that person is not my husband. As great as Jeff is, he can never meet those needs in my life. No one person can - only God can. I need that reminder every day. Not only did I purchase this card, but I wrote a note to God on it and signed my name to it. 

Be encouraged today that God wants to be your everything. He desires to be number one in your life. If you are like me, you may forget that at times. I carry that card around with me for that very reason, to serve as just a reminder.

Dear Lord, In this stressful world, Yours is the Presence that quiets me, the Voice that calms me, the Touch that comforts me, and the Love that helps me remember what is most important in each day. You’re Everything to me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

Some words of encouragement

Just in case you're feeling the weight of the world too, here's some verses that Pastor Jim Mackinga from Bay Cities Community Church shared today from his sermon "Making My Life Better" which really encouraged me.

BTW, if anyone is interested in joining me sometime, the address is: Baycities Redondo 400 S. Broadway, Redondo Beach, CA 90277 ph: 310 373-1818 services at 8am & 9:30am - I hit the 9:30am. Love to have you join me there!

Okay, here's some words of encouragement for today:

Ephesians 3:17b-21:
¹⁷And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, ¹⁸may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, ¹⁹and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

    ²⁰Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, ²¹to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Jeremiah 29:11-13:
¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ¹² Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. ¹³ You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Proverbs 21:2-3:

    ² All a man's ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart. ³ To do what is right and just
       is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

Psalm 16:8-12:

    ⁸ I have set the LORD always before me.
       Because he is at my right hand,
       I will not be shaken.

    ⁹ Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
       my body also will rest secure,

    ¹⁰ because you will not abandon me to the grave, ^[a]
       nor will you let your Holy One ^[b] see decay.

    ¹¹ You have made ^[c] known to me the path of life;
       you will fill me with joy in your presence,
       with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Hebrews 12:2-4:
²Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Psalm 18:30-31:

    ³⁰ As for God, his way is perfect;
       the word of the LORD is flawless.
       He is a shield
       for all who take refuge in him.

    ³¹ For who is God besides the LORD ?
       And who is the Rock except our God?

Psalm 56:4:

    ⁴ In God, whose word I praise,
       in God I trust; I will not be afraid.
       What can mortal man do to me?

Proverbs 12:20:

    ²⁰ There is deceit in the hearts of those who plot evil,
       but joy for those who promote peace.

Proverbs 17:20:

    ²⁰ A man of perverse heart does not prosper;
       he whose tongue is deceitful falls into trouble.

2 Corinthians 5:17:
¹⁷Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

That's all for now. I've got a lot to do today, but couldn't resist sharing these verses to encourage you wherever you are right now. I know they encourage me!

God bless and Happy Sunday.

 

Now for a little Biblical history lesson

Hidden Things

By Wendy Pope

“He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness,
       and light dwells with him." Daniel 2:22 (NIV)

 
Devotion:

Recently, and quite unexpectedly, a dear member of our church passed away. It started out as a normal day. He was to celebrate his 73^rd birthday with his wife of 50 years that evening. After a workout at the local gym, he died. His death, though sudden to us, was no surprise to the Lord. The Lord was ready to give this precious man his final inheritance.

God never wastes an opportunity to teach us something, if we will listen. I had just finished reading the account of Moses' final charge to the Israelites before crossing the Jordan into the long awaited Promised Land. The descendents of those enslaved by the Egyptians were ready to claim their land after living in the desert for 40 years. All the descendents expect Reuben, that is.

Reuben approached Moses and asked if his tribe could claim the land on the east side of the Jordan. He explained to Moses that his people could build a fortified city there. The land was fertile and right for harvesting. He agreed to fight the battles with the others, to ensure the conquering of Canaan but when the battles were over he wanted to return to the land east of the Jordan.

This puzzled me. Why would Reuben, after surviving all those years, turn down the promise the LORD was ready to fulfill? I could not understand it. Then I traced Reuben's history and discovered the reason. Many years before this time, Reuben, who was the first born son to Jacob, defiled his father's marriage bed by sleeping with his father's concubine. This sin was not revealed until Jacob was on his death bed. At this time, Jacob took away the "double-portion" birthright that was due to Reuben as the firstborn. The sin was revealed and the blessing was removed. Now, it all made sense to me.

Reuben knew that when he crossed over the Jordan he would not get the finest property. He would have to watch someone else get his blessing. Therefore, he made is own arrangement. His own plan to get what he thought would be the best. Little did he know, years later the land he chose as the best would be the first taken into captivity by the Assyrians.

What we think is hidden from God is not. We gladly exchange the potential pain and consequence that comes from confessing our sin for the "greener pastures" the enemy offers. We don't realize when we do make this exchange; we also forfeit immediate forgiveness and redemption into a right relationship with Jesus. We needlessly spend life separated from God. We aren't fooling God, we are only fooling ourselves. He knows all things that are hidden in the darkness. 

Don't wait until you are on your death bed to find out you've missed your birthright. Your birthright is described clearly in John 10:10, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." As a child of the Most High King, you stand to inherit an abundant and full life now, today. If you want to know how to do this, how to collect your inheritance click: Do You Know Him? 

Allow God to bring into the light that which is dark and restore your brokenness.

 Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I want Your forgiveness for the all times I have attempted to hide things from You. You are Truth and only You can set me free. Today, I want to live in Your freedom. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Check out today's Variety on Faith in Hollywood!

You can do it online at www.variety.com - I think they did an excellent job of presenting a well-balanced thorough examination of everything Christian in Hollywood. It's located in the lower right corner. Keep scrolling and you'll see it. If you want to read it online you better look today though because I don't know how long they showcase things on the site. You can always buy the actual mag too though.

The only article I thought was silly was the one about the Pentecostal Preacher who was given a vision to create a film company and has a huge budget attached to his first film. Pentecostal people are always a little out there in my opinion, but I guess Variety had to show "our" weirdos too. At least the other articles were well-balanced, reflective of real Christianity, and well-researched. Not that that one isn't, it's just focused too much on one guy who just happens to be a weirdo.

Sometimes first time filmmakers don't realize they need to prove themselves with smaller films, do well, and then go after larger budgets. Why would an investor give millions and millions of dollars to someone with no experience, no track record, no connections? It's just like in the real world, but people seem to think because it's a film it makes it different. Maybe that's why they're called artists. All passion, no business sense.:)

The article I'm really enjoying is the one entitled Perspective from a Christian Critic. Here's three paragraphs that I especially liked. And I quote:

"In addition to relying on Christian media outlets and leaders, religious moviegoers can turn to thorough, often spoiler-filled content descriptions, especially when considering what their children can see. Web sites like Kids-in-Mind.com and ScreenIt.com provide parents with painstakingly accurate lists of how much sex, violence and foul language there is in any given film (few would be surprised to learn there are 63 F-bombs in Chris Rock's "I Think I Love My Wife"). (I THOUGHT THERE WERE A LOT, BUT NOT THAT MANY! NO WONDER IT BUGGED ME!)

"Conservative parents are bothered by sex, while liberal parents are more sensitive to violence; conservative Christians are very upset about language containing religious profanities, while liberal Christians are more upset about the F-word, etc.," (I THINK I'M LIBERAL BASED ON THIS ANALYSIS BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT BUGS ME!) says Aris Christofedes, editor of Critics Inc., the parent company of Kids-in-Mind. "Our reviews are basically a list of ingredients, similar to what you find on food item labels."

These days, Baehr says, Christians have more options at the box office than they did two decades ago. For every "non-Christian" film like "Brokeback Mountain" or the latest "Harry Potter," there's a Christian-friendly film like "Narnia" or "Superman Returns." "In the '80s, one of the only movies with positive references to Jesus Christ was 'The Trip to Bountiful,' but now the figure has risen to 50% of films. That's a very good sign."

Here's her bio: (Formerly AOL's Moviefone Mama, Sandie Angulo Chen writes movie reviews for parents at Common Sense Media.)

If you're at all curious, check out complete coverage on the Variety site! Very interesting reading (at least to me!) Maybe that's what influenced the network to keep Studio 60 going... Who knows?

Have a good one. Off to play on Deal or No Deal. Look for me wearing the lime green jacket on the surprise neighborhood visit. HA! Got to keep my life interesting - too much publicity makes me bored - although I am getting good responses from my latest outreach. Will keep you posted.

Tonight's Bible Study was awesome!

I still enjoy going to Third Tuesday every single month and really feel blessed to be part of this group. What's amazing to me is how far people will travel to hear a great speaker and be blessed by God's word. The music is so uplifting and worshipful it really sets the tone. The dinner is always wonderful. Tonight was the most crowded I've seen it in a long time. Maybe everyone's realizing that they better start their year off right!

Jeff was just right on as always. It's so nice to know that there's a mega-church out in Missouri that prays for the needs of those toiling in entertainment because Jeff was called to start this ministry to minister to us. He is an amazing speaker, a gifted encourager, and what his church accomplishes for the Lord is amazing. Sometimes I feel like God is moving all over the country except for right in my back yard, but it just takes one person to make a difference.

I am so excited to see what God is going to do with our new Soul Support ministry I can't begin to tell you. I envision it becoming as huge as some of the other groups out there. I feel bad about some of my judgmental attitudes I shared last year and am going to really try to be aware of it.

My friend pointed out that I'm very German (which is part of my heritage from my Mom's side - also Finnish, and English. From my Dad's side pretty much all Irish - hence the temper.) In any case, that helped me realize that there's a reason behind my temperment. Plus, reading Dr. Leman's book helped me understand myself a little better too. I think once we're aware of certain things, that's when we can begin to change.

So, back to tonight - Jeff shared how his church has been helping out in the Katrina disaster and recently found a hotel that was refurbishing three of their floors and had to get rid of all their high-end furniture, lamps, art, etc. Well, his church offered to take it away and next thing you know there is a huge warehouse filled to the rim with amazing things (14 tractor trucks worth) that will be offered to the people devastated by Katrina!

Sometimes I forget that this is still going on and it's a nice reminder that God is still working on taking care of these people even when the rest of us forget. (If you haven't forgotten and are still helping then this doesn't include you of course. God bless you!)

Here's some of the points from tonight's message that totally spoke to my heart. Jeff said, "When God calls you to something, He will supply all your needs." Now this is a group of entertainment folks and he's referring to all their projects and careers, but I took it personally to mean a singles ministry.

Jeff said to recognize the value of our part - we all have different and unique gifts and we need to use them to glorify God. Be the best we can be! What was cool was when Jeff said, "God prepares good works in advance." How true that was for me on Sunday!

Then a woman stood up and shared her testimony. What I took away from her talk of God's moving in her life was that before she used to be driven and now she's lead by the Holy Spirit. Maybe that's what's happening to me. I can't tell, but I do feel like I'm getting some of the Jesus juice I've been craving.

Jeff got back up to speak then and he encouraged us all by saying, "Don't underestimate the power of God's timing. He makes everything beautiful in His time." Look at Abraham and Sarah. He was 100 years old before he and Sarah created the multitude of family God promised him a long time ago. Here's the scripture reference:

Romans 4:18-19:

    ¹⁸Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, "So shall your offspring be."^{[a] 19}Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah's womb was also dead.

Now with that story I couldn't help but pray to myself that God wouldn't wait that long before I get married! :) However, what I'm beginning to learn is that I don't want to be married just to be married. I really want the right man that God has in store for me. All I gotta say is he's going to be pretty special since I'm praying for him all the time!:) Abraham still had hope. I still have hope too God - are you listening God? Just checking.

Jeff encouraged us to not quit. Remember God is calling you to produce and birth "babies - ie our projects, our businesses, everything." We need to recognize God's promises and we need to find what God has called us to do. I'm feeling called to write this blog and to create a ministry for singles in the South Bay. Also to encourage and support the clients that I work for and with.

Jeff felt called to start this ministry to the "Hollywood tribe" and have his mega church pray for all of us. He is such an amazing man. I am so blown away by his heart for God and his eloquency and his enthusiasm for all of us and his church. He's on fire! Here's the verses he shared to explain the mission of Third Tuesday:

Hebrews 3:12-13:

    ¹²See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. ¹³But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.

It's SOOOO easy living in Hollywood to let your heart get hardened and do sinful things. It just is. However, God wants us seek Him and desire to do His will. That's my goal and I'm taking it a day at a time.

I wish you all a wonderful adieu - sleep well! I leave you with this:

Psalm 34:15:

    ¹⁵ The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous
       and his ears are attentive to their cry;

I can attest to that! I may not be righteous, but He really heard my cry and I will never forget his lovingkindness to me. God bless! May you find Him when you seek Him too.