Love Archives – Page 7 of 9 – Strength Of The Small

Death Strength of The Small Love Inspire Life Lessons People

Words: Power to Build or Destroy

By JM PerezNovember 25, 20124 min read1.1K views

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” – Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)

I had my share of bullying growing up, one of which ended with a physical fight (and my bully never messed with me again). You see, I was a quiet one growing up and it made me an easy target for bullying. Anyways, a girl from my neighborhood regarded my slender body shape and silence as weaknesses because I refused to give into her constant attacks. One afternoon she decided to pick a fight while I was walking home. I kept calm and kept walking while she was insulting and pushing me. Just about two minutes away from home, some bystanders (who knew I was being bullied) made the situation worse by cheering. When that girl pushed me, again and again, I knew right there that the only way out was to fight back and win. That’s exactly what I did and she never bothered me again. I am in no way promoting violence; however, there comes a time in life when you are giving a choice: win (live) or loose (die). Which will you choose?

I have also been bullied because of my nose. I knew better because I was conscious about the size of my then disproportionate nose. I was coached about the temporary unevenness of growth during puberty and I was thought by my Sister to put and love myself first no matter what. She was my role model who constantly reminded me that I was beautiful inside and out. I believed and I refused to be defined by any part of my body.

“I am not a part. I am whole.” — Joan Ambu

Children Learn What They Live.
ActAgainstViolence.org.

For you the sufferers, I say, give silent words. Avoid the bullies if you can. If you can’t, always stay calm and never show them that you’re hurt (they will use it, if you do). Seek help, reach out to someone, speak up. In some extreme situations it’s best to have someone else fight your fight. Don’t stay down for too long as you might get comfortable and decide to adopt that position. Train yourself to memorize these powerful words: I am Worthy. You are a work in process yet to be perfected by the Almighty Father. You have the right to exist.

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” – Psalm 139:14 (NIV)

The bottom line is that we are not what people think of us: we are what we believe to be. We become what we perceive ourselves to be. In a material world, some people seem to be better than others (I said ‘seem’ because certain things can’t be bought, which takes us back to the theory of appearances). You may not be better than someone, but no body is better than you and you have to believe it. Your oppressor is the one with issues, not you. Each time someone throws a hurtful word at you, you tell yourself: ‘self, I am not perfect, but I am worthy and I will not accept less.’ Sometimes your body language sends a false message, which a bully sees as weakness and decides to pick on you. Take a self-defense class to prepare you for those times when things really get out of hand and there’s no one to call for help. Change begins with you and you alone can decide when to start.

“You are a person. Words are labels.
Don’t ever accept to be labeled because labels are for things and you are not.” — Joan Ambu

If you witness someone being bullied, act. Be a good bystander and help out (defend the victim, find a way to discourage the bully or get an adult involved). Don’t be neutral because it could as well be you. Be more than just a bystander: reach out and stop it before it starts, if you can.

I know that some of us are not Believers and/or Christ followers. However, there is the Golden Rule which states that we should do unto others as we would have them do unto us. Watch your mouths and most importantly, watch your inner thoughts. How are you using your words today? Are you using them to build or to destroy?

*Words are a Powerful Tool: Use them Wisely.*

TALK TO SOMEONE and GET HELP

HELP BULLIES TOO

“But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” – Matthew 12:36-37 (NIV)

Pages:

By JM Perez

Love Children Education Family

A Cousin’s Gifts

By JM PerezNovember 21, 20121 min read428 views

What a day! We’ve been running errands all morning (from mailing gifts to visiting Vintage shops and everything in between). We stopped by Lowe’s®, where I picked up a pair of Christmas Stockings, some plants, bulbs and a few Barrel Planters. We made a quick stop at Kohl’s® to get the last items on our Christmas decoration list.

As I went to check the mails after unloading the plants from the car, I found a large package waiting for me in the mailbox. By its weight and without looking at the senders address; I knew it was the gifts from my niece to her little cousins. While my Mom was visiting with them in France early this month, she promised to send Books, CDs and other souvenirs to her cousins. These are just a few of them. My son was so excited that he started reading. He has been anxious to read the stories even though they are written in French. Starting tomorrow, we will pick up where we left off and I am confident that he will be fluent in French in no time.

I am grateful for this day and I can’t wait to find out what tomorrow has in store for me.

Pages:

By JM Perez

Faith Strength of The Small Love People

Fading Shadow on a Gray Cloud

By JM PerezOctober 31, 20122 min read463 views

Life is so unpredictable and emotions are unstable. Why are some people impatient, unappreciative and irrational? I am one of those people who prefer to walk the walk as opposed to talk the talk (though I can do both while staying true to my word). I get in a different state of mind when someone purposely and repeatedly steps on my shoe. In such case, the best approach is to keep my cool; However, there comes a point when I just have to put an end to the madness or risk making a fool of myself.

All of last week; until this morning, part of me was stuck in my own gray cloud. I have been collaborating alongside an individual, who to my surprise has turned out to be quite difficult. Today was the final straw after receiving an unpleasant message. People shouldn’t judge each other; lest people who don’t even know us. And why was I being judged? Simply because I didn’t give a lot more of myself and time. I chose to be silent (as it was the best thing to do) and let this person have a moment of glory. I prayed for more compassion and for the ability to see clearly through the tick gray cloud that completely enveloped me at that moment.

Thankfully I was sane enough to remember that I had wonderful friends around the World I could call and talk to. I am glad I did because these wonderful individuals kept me grounded by turning the unfortunate incident into a joyful celebration. I continue to stand in awe of my Lord and I thank Him for putting so many wonderful people in my path; their friendship, honesty and undying compassion uplift me. I love my friends dearly.

I know that as long as I am doing what is good and what is right, my future will always have blue skies in it.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” – James 1:1-4 (NIV)

Pages:

By JM Perez

Parenting Love Children Education Family

Nurturing Goes a Long, Long Way

By JM PerezOctober 25, 20122 min read828 views

Ivan: Mom, are you proud of me?
Me: Yes, very.
Ivan: Why? Because I did well at school?
Me: Yes and because I love you.
Ivan: If I do an even better job will you be prouder?
Me: Yes, I will. But remember, it’s not just about doing a good job. You must be kind and respectful to others to.
Ivan: Ok Mommy.

Yesterday, along with other Kindergarten kids, Ivan went on his first field trip to the Pumpkin Patch at the Boulder Creek Ranch Harvest Festival. It is one thing to drop him off at school and it’s another to let him go on a field trip, especially as he is known to be an explorer. I had to bury my fears and put my trust in the hands of the wonderful teachers and volunteers who accompanied them on this field trip. Prior to leaving for school, his Father surprised him with some drawings of things he enjoys on his disposable lunch bag. We always find ways to make him feel special, especially when we are not around. Turned out that he had an awesome time.

Boulder Creek Ranch
19099 Lemon St, Hesperia, CA 92345
Phone: (760) 244-0096 OR (760) 956-9300
October 13th – October 28th
Open: 11:00 AM – Dusk

Custom Lunch Paper Bag. — *Custom ‘Disposable’ Lunch Paper Bag.*

Going back to my heartfelt conversation with my Son. He is at a stage of his life, where he sees things, analyses and remembers them. So, as a parent, is it important for me to be patient, encouraging, loving and honest with him. I must be ready to answer his questions, honestly, the best way I possibly can, based on his age and ability to understand, without going into much details. I always take my kids questions seriously.
It is critical for us, parents, to be involved in all aspects of our children lives, allowing them to experience life and things for themselves. One thing we should avoid at all cost is to rob them of their Innocence.

My Son is so proud of himself for receiving a lot of rewards, prices from school for being a good and responsible student. Recently, he received this Pizza Hut® Book It!® Reading Program Certificate to celebrate his reading accomplishment (Book It!® is a reading incentive program that Pizza Hut® has sponsored since 1985).

*Pizza Hut® Book It!® Reading Program Certificate.*

If we cannot stand with them while they are growing up; how then, do we expect to reconnect with them once they’ve mature? In some cases, we are all they’ve got. Not being there for them when they need us is one thing they will never forget; adding a twist to their face, that, we will regret.

Pages:

By JM Perez

Mother's Daughter Birthday Blessings Love Family Gratitude

For You, Mom, With Love

By JM PerezOctober 24, 20122 min read580 views

Mom! The sweet sound of your name echoing though my heart, Mom.
You were my first miracle, my very first gift from above and you’ve given me 32 amazing years. From a very young age, you thought us that ‘two are better than one.’ You stressed the importance of togetherness and you stood your grounds even after you lost a child, my only sister. Yes, Mom, ‘two are better than one.’

“Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9 (KJV)

Mother. Oh! Mother. Today my heart rejoices with you.
Having a Mother like you is, without a doubt, one of the utmost gifts and prime advantages the Lord has given me. The confidence and values that you instilled in me made me who I am today. For that and much more, I can’t thank you enough. Every day that goes by is a gift from God to cherish and I am thankful to have you around.

For You, Mom, With Love. — *(Last Year) With Mom at Starbucks before her Flight.*

I didn’t have to become a Mother to understand how difficult being a Mother is because from the moment I learned to walk; I was by your side every step of the way. You made so many sacrifices to raise us, especially me. Every now and then I still wonder how you managed to hold both ends on your own. You give so much, constantly. You are such a transparent person and your heart overflows with Love, Faithfulness and Compassion.

We pray for you ceaselessly. You are a good role model, a Phenomenal Woman. You’re irreplaceable and we are blessed to have you in our lives. Every day brings with it an opportunity to do and try something new; an opportunity to live, to love, to share, to reach out to someone else, to forgive, to move on and to count our blessings. I love new beginnings and I know you do to. I hope you find that which you seek.

Wishing you a peaceful day full of laughter, blessings and many, many more great years.

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Pages:

By JM Perez