Oh, I forgot this last journal

Ok Mars,

I forgot to add a flashlight, extra batteries, cash money money, several small water bottles, crackers and peanut butter go along way and last too. Also, a map for alternates routes and a battery operated radio; this will be hard to find if not costly but worth it.


Peace,
Jerri of Mars

Getting ready pt. 4 (really pt. 5)

Hey Mars,


     This is my last message on supplies that ought to be in our emergency bag, by now. The link below allows you to shop for or at least seek after what type of first aid kit you would prefer. You can also go to your local drug store for kits. Good luck!
     Did you know that some folk in Japan are still homeless, hungry and have not showered, after almost two weeks. Also in Haitii, least we forget. Don't let this be you or us, ok. My bag is packed, just trying to be instant and prepared, so I won't get caught out there.


Lots of love,
Jerri of Mars




http://www.utilitysafeguard.com/first-aid-kits

Happy Birthday Tanisha!

Today is my very first niece's birthday. I believe she's 33 years old, you know I'm getting older so the memory could be a little shifted. She too is a mother who was alone raising a son, Daquel, my very first great nephew. She's now engaged to be married, to Anthony and they have a cute little girl. Her name is Ania, affectionately known as Ni Ni.


Love you all and Mars I'm going pricing for some "Getting Ready..." items. Will be back later with more information.


Jerri of Mars

Getting ready pt. 3

Good day Mars,

     As promised, I will be blogging every other day regarding, the "Getting Ready...", series. Today I'll be expressing the importance of writing down emergency numbers: imidiate family, friends, doctors, hospital and please don't forget that 311 is a non-emergency number. Perhaps our cell phones will or won't be operable but thank God for payphones. Wait, are they still around? I must check my neighborhood. Also, call your local city manager's office and get on their DMA list via email and cellphone.
     DMA: Disaster Mitigation Act, is connected with FEMA: Federal Emergency Management Agency which is also apart of DHS: Department of Homeland Security. This was good information for me and I pray it affects you the same way.


Mitigation Planning overview

     So google your city's DMA plan, look it over and sign up to be contacted during times of emergencies. That is all for today, get those numbers on paper (place in a plastic bag) and put them into you duffle bag. Lastly, go to that site and sign up. Until next time, may the peace of God and His grace rest upon you and yours...



Sincerely,

Jerri of Mars



Getting ready pt.3

Hey Mars,


     Lots of love to all of you. Ok, today we add to our bag, a pair of sweats and a heavy sweatshirt, sweater or jacket. Oh, and some might ask why we needed the last blogs request for a flat sheet and a towel? These are in the event of several incidents: extra covering, to sleep on, dry off or to be cut into pieces to stop bleeding, oh yes!
     I'm not making this up. My info comes from an pamphlet regarding survival, while some may differ from one to the next, we must learn to follow procedures. 
     Sis Kim, please send some of your expertise and I will blog it. She has survived an earthquake in Cali back in 88', God bless you!
      Also, New Yorkers, we only learn how to evacuate in case of a fire, right? That's it, nobody is preparing us for any other disasters. We act like this can never happen to us. So, let's not get caught out there.


Until next time,
Jerri of Mars

Getting ready pt. 2

Ok Mars,
     I'm not sure "why" I have not heard from some of you, but thank God for Sis Tina, who's feedback is very encouraging and appreciated. Don't get me wrong but Jesus is King and ruler over our lives and I know we try to take that position from Him at times. So, whatever has us so busy that we cannot touch and agree on the things of God, then we all need to stop and pray. I'm praying more than ever, I mean weeping; lamenting as Jeremiah, who happens to be my most sort after prophet. 
     So, here's the skinny, while sitting here eating b-fast and reading Matthew 24, why the Lord brings me back to "getting ready", lasts weeks blog message. (Matt 24:36-51) 
Last week we delve a little into packing an emergency bag. Yea, yea mines is not ready either so can we collectively designate this week and pack together. I will be reaching out several times this week, with my progress and I need to hear about yours. You, me, "our" people suffer from a lack of knowledge, and that's the word and especially running rampant in the world. People just like being ignorant or ignant! Some folk say, "I don't watch the news because its depressing", yes but just a few minutes a day to be informed is key.
     Did you know that Indian Point, New York, (1 0f 4 nuclear plants in America) right in our own backyard, lies on a major fault? And in the event that "we New Yorkers", had to evacuate the circumference around this location is a 50 miles radius. In layman's term; all of Manhattan, Westchester, all 5 boroughs, Rockland, Suffolk, etc...the list goes on would have to leave. I can't even grasp my brain around such an exodus, oh does that ring a bell?! Not trying to scare you but just as the bible teaches us to be ready for the Lord's return, we must also be ready to leave our homes and possibly our state. (Matt 24:16-29) Are people now standing on their rooftops? As in verse 17, just last week a man in Japan upon his roof traveled out 2 miles into the sea before he was saved. You just will never know when until the time comes, so in the meantime let's be ready for the Lord and whatever the earth has to put upon us. Remember, these are only the beginning of birthing pains. (Matt 24:8)
     So, lets start getting out a bag, a duffel preferably but if not a nap sack, please no suitcases Mars. Secondly, put a towel and flat sheet in it. That's all for now, I will get back with you in two days, and please hit me up on the comment post at the end of each blog, let me know your feedback. (if your not a google client then open bottom tab and click anonymous, but put your name in the comment) I need you too, lots of love...
Later,
Jerri of Mars

In these times...are we ready?

Good day Mars,
     Just finding a moment to touch base with you. By now, you should all know what's going on in Japan; an 8.9 earthquake! Another Tsunami too while Hawaii and California are in the loop. Mothers are we praying? Not that it's not us because the east coast has its share of catastrophes; New Jersey is still under water as I sit and watch the news while I write. Here in my own county, Elmsford is also under water and Bronxville too.
     Please mothers let's start today with a plan for evacuation. The word says to be instant, in and out of season, yes regarding the word but were suppose to also be wise as serpents. Let's start packing a spare duffle bag with things such as a first aid kit, crackers, blankets, socks, sweat suits, raincoats, washcloths, towels, the list goes on. Please, no gallon water bottles, but a couple of little bottles will suffice. These are serious times we're in. Are all your important documents up to date and filed in a water/fire resistant place? This is a good one; did you take those important numbers out of your cell phone and write them down? Don't forget to have fresh batteries, candles, flashlights with lighters by your bed and in every room.
     I can speak for myself and say, "NO",  I have not checked off all these things but I will this weekend. Yes, the flashlight is by the bed and thick candles are in every room with a lighter or two but I have not packed my or our duffle bag. I do have plenty of batteries but a battery operated radio needs to be purchased this week. And where's your local fallout shelter? I need to find that out too, you are not alone concerning these things.
     Mars please don't stress yourself but do try to be alert and ready. Do not hide your head in the sand and wish these things to go away. Matthew 24 tells us about such times as these, well there here!
   Well, I gonna close and go to the store to buy some viddles for my son to have while he's off from college next week. He already has a list of junk foods, ready to veg out on T.V. and video games. Until next time, remember to be ready, or Bishop Jake's would say, "get ready, get ready, get ready!"


Sincerely,
Jerri of Mars

Speak out!

Hey Mars,

     Please continue to pray for our educational system. The enemy has asked for permission to sift those that belong to God as wheat. This process tests our faith but the word of God teaches us that Jesus has prayed that our faith may not fail. Those that endure "will" turn back to God and go forth to strengthen our brothahs and yes, sistahs too.

Luke 22

³¹ "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you^[a] as wheat. ³² But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."
     Once again, we educators are placed back on the chopping block. The government is talking about major cuts, such as sports, art, science the list goes on. In the meantime, teachers who have seniority over those who actually don't but do teach our precious students will have their keep in all this. In other words, you don't have to bring results regarding if or if not a student has learned while under your wing but because you've been misguiding them forever, you get to stay. Isn't that just like the enemy, to kill, steal and destroy?! The word of God calls it, "sounding brass and tinkling cymbals; James Brown said, "talking loud and saying nothing.
     This is why teaching starts and ends at home. I spoke a few weeks ago about culturing our children through free concerts, museums and yes also through that expensive cable service most of us have. Anybody ever heard of Discovery Channel?
     I love my job but love God more. He always has the last word concerning my life, my employment and my destiny. He opened this door and if He (God) decides to close it, well that's perfectly fine with me. Be not dismayed, God is not slack concerning His promises. I have sowed into each and every student of mine. I'm blessed with education and experience. My resume stays fresh and I'm full of God's wisdom. I never seen the righteous forsaken nor His seed begging bread.
     Through the grace of God, I am the head and not the tail, so that makes me the bread winner. God will not allow me and mine to perish for a lack of knowledge, food nor shelter. Ooh, o0h (hand raised), I'm a tither. Did I also mention my 20 year old son is too! We do know God and fight everyday to be obedient to His word.
     Lastly, here's a statistic I received from Ed Gordon's show: 4.1 million women are head of household as opposed to 975,000 men (U.S. Bureau of Statistics 2009).
Be encouraged mothers, God is not slack concerning His promises, whatever a man sows he will reap, in due season, (hers's the clause) if you faint not.... I'm claiming this season to reap the rewards of my labor as a single mother raising my son. Remember to pray that "God’s will" be done, not ours...an especially pray for those educators who don't know the Lord Jesus in the parting of their sins. When you don't know God, you don't keep your storehouse full and spend excessively. So, most will be walking around crying because they put their trust in the dollar and not God. Never cease to pray for ALL of us!

Sincerely,
Jerri of Mars

Becoming a better you

Good day Mars,

Being heart healthy!

     I'm on vacation this week and visited several doctors. While at the cardiologist, he looked over my blood work numbers and was very impressed. My cholesterol was low; he said, "you must eat healthy", I replied, "No, I contribute that number to walking to and from work everyday". Forty minutes and up two hills going, is what this walk entails.

     Let my share with you, I do try to watch my caloric intake but that doesn't mean there necessarily the right foods. I love chips, pizza, fries and cheeseburgers. During work hours I eat very well, but when I get home, sometimes I can defeat the whole purpose of "watching my calories".

     People always say that I look good, I don't need to lose weight, and so on but we are and should be our worst critic. I've maintained an average weight of 185 lbs for the last ten years, but I can afford to lose some excess fat around my mid-section. This is what I hold my self against. I will share this too, If you start to eat right you know, veggies, fruit, lean meats, etc...you must not deviate. This means, as soon as you take a bite of any junk food you will automatically see yourself fall back into your old routine. Craving sweets!

     Also, you can eat what you like but start cutting your portions in half. Instead of having a whole sandwich, start with one (1) slice of bread and pack it with fresh chicken or turkey breast, not cold cuts. Stop buying sweets to store in your house. If you want to have something sweet then go out to the store and buy it. You will find that buying a snack pack of Oreos is only around 230 calories for 6 cookies, as opposed to a family size package with 3 rows of 12 cookies, stored not-so-safely in your cupboard. This type of temptation leads down the path of eating 2 - 3 cookies until an entire row is consumed. Oh, the guilt! You can also settle for the 100 calorie packs, but eat only one bag! 

Research Wii for yourself

     Getting some sort of exercise is key too. Here's a big helper, mothers if you're not the gym going type then please do not go and join one. You can use that same money to purchase a Wii system, about $200, and a Wii Fit Plus game and balance board for another $100, and workout in the privacy of your own home. I have the best time using mine. I sometimes have a girls night and rent the dance videos and we have even more fun while getting in a workout. Besides, most memberships are at the least $350 and up. They also prey on those who know they're not going to consistently get into the gym routine. Like, car dealers and auto repair shops, they see us coming a mile away.

     So, do your best to start now and when you fall short, get back up and try again. Never give up on yourself. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle like anything else in life, takes time and effort. Ask yourself, am I up to change? If the answer is an honest, Yes, then get started now!

Staying healthy,

Jerri of Mars

And the nominee is...

Hi Mars,

     Have you ever asked your children ‘who’ they want to be when they grow up? Or if like myself, have young adults, whether in High School or College, are they at least close to where they see themselves in the next few years. That’s a lot to ask these days. Could we have cultivated a little more or possibly led them in the right direction with more care? These days, most children seem to be little ‘scatter brains’, especially with all the media and technology influx. It’s like indigestion to their mind, body and soul.

     I can speak from my own experiences. I was not a young mother, when I had my son at the tender age of 27, but I was unmarried. Taking on single parenting alone; very overwhelmed. I went through a period of regression. I started hanging out more than ever; smoking, drinking and seeing guys a little too casually but never around my son. This happens to the best of us, especially when you’re a single mother, trying to find her way. I had to get back on track and put his needs first. Enrolled him into extra curriculum activities, in order to find his niche, his way. Enforced more mommy and son time. He didn't choose me, I chose him and he deserved the best of me and what life had to offer.

     The truth is that most of our children will find their way, in their own time. We need to be patient and pray for positive outcomes that will bring about productive citizens in society. This is a long process that takes a lot of our time and effort, from both parties. However, my vote goes out to all of you Mars! I nominate those mothers that have never given up on their children nor themselves; through thick and thin, good and bad and yes, hell and high waters. 

     Today's shout out goes to Ramona, my coworker, and her ambitious daughter Jennifer. Ramona has raised a set of twin daughters and a son, all by herself. She’s a phenomenal mother and teacher.  I love to go to her class. She makes me laugh, smile and I can be my sometimes crazy acting self with her. Ramona has so much energy, she’s a kindergarten teacher who’s structured, loving and passionate about her students' well fare. Her students love her. They tell her, “she’s the best”. So, you can imagine what she’s poured into her own three children, who are now grown.

An Emmy Award

     Getting back to Jennifer, who’s also loving and a beautiful person. She has completed college and is now pursuing a career in television broadcasting and journalism. Jennifer and her coworkers have produced a documentary and are now being nominated for an Emmy!

     Can you feel her since of accomplishments and pride, at the tender age of 27; and no babies! Her mother, Ramona, so ecstatic as we all are. So, the nomination goes to Jennifer and her proud ‘mommy’, Ramona. Who are both winners in our book!!!

     All things are possible through God…remember that what you pour into your children will prosper in due season. Be patient and never give up hope.

Sincerely,

Jerri of Mars

Being cultured...

TGIF Mars,
    In honor of Black History month our school's PTA has invited The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre to grace us with their sensational presence next week. The demographics of our school are 85% Hispanic, 12% black and 8% white, so I have been exposing our students to 1 - 2 video clips in the lab. We also took a brief look at Mr. Ailey's biography. He has made a tremendous contribution to the art of dance and an outstanding entry way back into the culture of African American history. The only familiarity our students had with the clips was the song, Wade in the Water, because the 5th graders sung this during their winter concert.

Revelations
Choreagraphed by Alvin Ailey



 Please mothers try to find time to culture your children, our sons, it very important. Different types of people, places, arts, foods, music the list goes on because it opens up their minds. When children are exposed to different people, places and things, they think more, write more, and speak more. I know it can be expensive but if their school is sponsoring a trip and you don't have the money, inform the school, most of the time someone will accommodate the funds. If you belong to a church, ask for a donation, most people who understand the arts and what great implications of being exposed to it, will be pleased to assist. Remember, pride is a terrible spirit, it leads to destruction. Nobody, in their right mind, wants to see any child get destroyed for a lack of knowledge. Lastly, look on the computer for free concerts. You will be surprised how many theatrical companies give free concerts. Alvin Ailey just performed in Central Park last summer. So, be encouraged and treat you and your son to a dinner theatre, one day soon.

God bless you all,
Jerri of Mars

And a child shall lead them...

Good day Mars,

     My morning started out with a warm smile from one of my student's mom, her name is Tonya. She's a single mother raising her son. Now please understand that we never denounce our dads but when their unavailable, for any reason, we moms have to handle our business which is the art of mothering...
     Tonya, like her son, is smart, wonderfully pleasant and witty. We always chat for a few minutes and like the mothers who dropped wisdom regarding how to better raise my son, I do the same for her.
Today, after expressing how much the blog insights her, she gave me a nugget of wisdom to share with you.
     Her son, a 1st grader, couldn't understand why some adults use inappropriate language especially since his mother doesn't. She told him to follow her example which is not to curse and each time he hears an adult use this language, to charge them a quarter.
     I thought this was great advice! First, it teaches our children that profanity is wrong. Secondly, that there are consequences to poor choices of words and behavior. And when a child has to check our behavior, well speaking for myself, I feel real bad. The book of Psalms tells us, "that bad habits corrupt good behavior."
     Let our children teach us sometimes in the ways we should go. We tell them to be watchful of so-called friends whose behavior is not always good; we now can use that same advice on ourselves.
     A shout out to Tonya, one of our mothers doing the best with what God has given her! A wonderful son and the wisdom to raise him successfully.

Sincerely,
Jerri of Mars

Saluting Gyna a mother of Mars...

It's a sad day Mars,


I just returned home from a very dear friend's funeral. Her name was Gyna; affectionately known as Gyna Beana. Today we salute a single mother of not one but four boys, who are now young men. They have beat the odds of the single parent statistics, they've graduated high school and are not in jail. 
This sistah was the epitome of single parenting. You never, I mean never, saw her without those boys. She was a football mom, a loving daughter and had three brothers all while being the only girl, in the family, like myself. She could handle the best of them.
Gyna was strong and had the prettiest smile. I remember us sitting in night school some 30 years ago when she was pregnant with her first boy. We would sit in class because she was carrying big and try to think of a name for him. She ended up naming him, Richard. She later gave birth to Brian and almost 10 years later, she had the twins.
We are truly going to miss her and we will be praying for her sons. We only get one mother! So, whether cherishing her memories like myself or your true and living mom in person, please honor her!


With love, 
Jerri of Mars

Let's Do It For Our Boys

Hey Mars,
    
      I'm sitting here in the lab and it's a beautiful day. New York's still recovering from several snow storms, the last one being all ice. My 5th graders just walked in, at least half of the class, and boy are they upset. Their complaint was that the teacher did not, no let me quote them correctly, "she never chooses the boys!” You know my heart melted; I love the boys! Girls are cute but I'm partial to boys and everyone who knows me will say the same. I have 7 brothers, 7 nephews, 2 godsons, asked God for a son and I'm a “daddy’s girl”.
     Now, first things first, these particular boys are "bad". I will never tell them to their face. I never believed in using that word. I always spoke positive words to my precious son and even he had plenty of moments. Don't get it twisted, I am very stern but with explanation and love, my point gets across. These students of mine have their own issues which outside of this classroom are beyond my reach. So, after allowing them to vent, I gave them a free pass to go to a website of their fancy. Can you hear their cheers?! I never give freebies but they needed a lil sunshine.
     I couldn't dare add injury to their pain nor pore salt on their wounds because their feelings are real. I could have brought up several reasons why she may have not chosen them, because I've had running’s with these very same boys. Regardless of what indiscretions they may have with their teacher, I'm sure her reasons for not ever choosing them were valid. How I choose to deal with their pain when I'm not the villain is to make it go away; with quick resolve.
     The story is told all the time, the "good" girls always get to do things while the "bad" boys bare the brunt of it all. There's a saying that goes, "we raise our daughters and spoil our sons", know the word spoil here has a negative connotation. To "spoil" our sons means to disregard their behavior and reward or crush them when they fall short of our expectations. So parents pull the guilt card. You know, this type of behavior from both sons and parents supposedly rearing them will eventually end up on a dead end road. Note that boys will become men and in time the negligent behaviors and an ill-reward system do have grave consequences.
     The consequences are known to be and are not limited to:
*disruptive behaviors in and out of the home especially in school
*bullying, low self-esteem, poor test scores
*becoming insatiable (never enough, always wanting)
*attention seekers (clowning, calling out, very needy)
     In the end, when our young boys do something inappropriate, lay the consequences down immediately. You must always be objective, leaving our feelings aside; never too harsh or too lenient. Let the punishment fit the crime! And when tomorrow comes, let it be. Don't keep digging up his past indiscretions. Come on Mars, this is not even cool when it's done to our significant others. We must know when to let it go and move on. Start off the next day with mercy, the way God does.

Sincerely,
Jerri of Mars

Having a plan...

Hey Mars,

God bless mothers with jobs that have to work today. Look at the inches of snow
on the boxes...crazy! Still, a beautiful day.

I'm enjoying the day off, thanks to 19 inches of snow. It has been snowing since this time yesterday morning. So, what do mothers do in situations like this? Because if you have little ones and/or have to work, then that is a "situation". If your like myself, your son is grown and sleeping half of the day away. His college is closed today too. I can't help but to think about my little sistah, she has 3 children under 8 years of age. 

I remember well, they get up too early on days off. While, on school days, you have to practically drag them out of bed. So, more than likely, their up and into everything. First its breakfast but of course that's if your off today. They're always hungry, even when their not. Now to the mothers that have to work, prayerfully you have made arrangements to have a responsible person sit with them. 
In either case, you must find something for them to do. I use to have my son resume the day as if he were still in school; he was require to read, practice math and then watch an educated movie. Trust me, if you don't keep them in the groove, you will have an otherwise hectic day. There's plenty of time during the day to watch cartoons, but also have them do or learn some new chore around the house. Please and I repeat please, do not think you are going to lay in the bed until later, you may find your house in a disarray. I Tried this too, it doesn't work! Besides, they will not let you have any peace.
So, whether you stay home or go to work, have a schedule for them to follow. Below are things to do on snowy days when school is closed (together):
1. Make breakfast
2. Clean up the rooms or the house
3. Go outside and play in the snow
4. Make hot chocolate or soup for lunch
5. Do some homework; read a book 
6. Watch an educational movie or Discovery Channel
7. Prepare dinner while they watch the movie
8. Bathtime
9. Bed time! nighty, night
This can get a little intense but stick it out, mothers. You'll be surprise how fast the day goes by when you have a plan, a schedule. Stay focus and your children will be too. Oh, boardgames are winners also. Until next time, enjoy your day...


Jerri of Mars

Helping others...

Dear Mars,
I'm learning so much about blogs, websites, feeders, RSS, paypal, whew! the list goes on. Please be aware that I'm doing this alone and sometimes with just a little help from my friends and affiliates. Also, keep in mind that I'm not using this outlet to make money, but it is necessary. So when we do start to make money, it will be for the upward mobility of Mars and whatever extra funds our mothers may need to raise successful sons. Yes, single mothers need advice, support, respect, compassion, understanding but above all, money is a very important factor.
When our son or sons get bored and start acting out, extra curriculum activities is a very expedient door to open. This takes money. Not all of us can go to our families and friends for this particular support, and some may have exhausted all of their liberties. So, the ministry of Mars, would like to be there monetarily when all else has failed.
This will also be an opportunity to find a big brother or mentor to assist with our sons insecurities. As they get older, we as their mother, can start to become that annoying or whining voice. Always talking loud and saying nothing. They need to hear the voice of a man and not just any man will do. That man, if not his father, needs to be strong, empathetic and objective.

Yea, mom...I'm listening.

Never forget, we are women and not all of our advice is conducive to men. In other words, they're not listening! Understanding that our passions as women are not always those of men, including our sons. I can only speak for myself when I say, I love my son but I get tired of being on his planet (Mars, literally). I need some Venus time spent with the girls; laughing, shopping and having "womanly"conversation. On that note, I love talking to you but now I must go. Until next week, remember your not alone...
Jerri of Mars

Comfort zones...coming out of them

My dear Mars,


Hope all is well, as for me, I have been emotional this week. I'm not sure why, although I could counter in hormones, expectations and disappointments within my life. But to God be all the glory! I don't worry about a job, money, family and especially my place in Jesus.
I guess today its about counting our blessings, right? How very thankful I am for coming out of my comfort zone. It takes a lot to write to you weekly. Often times I don't know what to write. So, in seeking the Holy Spirit, I am lead to write about His goodness bestowed upon my life.
Hmm, comfort zones...you know that place where nobody not even God can remove us from. Yea, that's right, God unlike the devil will not force us to do nothing we do not want to do. he tells us to "choose". But if you allow yourself to go beyond "yourself"; The prayer says, "Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land."(2 Chronicle 7:14) Whatever you need healing in, just do the above. Remember, Mars believes, teaches and preaches the unadulterated word of God.
Again, comfort zones...are you stuck in a place? Has God or somebody given you an insight as to what you could be doing about your life concerning others. This is the will of God, its what we do for the least of them. This is what Jesus says you will do unto Him; read the word. I will be the first to admit, my comfort zone doesn't allow me to read more of the word, to read anything for that matter. But I've been praying and now that I've given up the spirit of selfishness, laziness and procrastination to God, I am now afforded the opportunity to now write weekly. Now, I am more disciplined. I pray twice a day, read or listen to the word daily, see about the homeless, eat better and work out every night. Do I fall short every now and then? Yes, but I get back in the grove. These are the things that follow when you pray and allow yourself to come out of your comfort zone. You will find yourself doing something unusually different. Hopefully its something for somebody else. Because you have done enough for you!
So, lets keep trying really hard, because coming out of comfort zones are really hard and do something for others; the least of them. This is where Jesus is...


Sincerely,
Jerri of Mars

In all things...its working out for our good, to those that believe

Dear MARS,
     I'm so very grateful to God for His love and patience with me and how I often use what He has given me to pass on to my son. This morning I left my son and his father asleep; our son in his bed as his father laid on the floor beside him. I believe the last time they did this our son went away to their family reunion some 10 years ago. You see I unwisely decided to become a single mother, not knowing what that entailed. You know I was young, tired, pissed off at him and thought this was something "I could do by myself". Wrong! but through the grace of God I did it! Single parenting is not to be taken lightly and my heart aches to see young girls take this path. Raising any child, children, girls and yes in my case a boy, is tremendous. This topic I will save for another time of "preachin"(smile).
     Getting back to what I left at home, my son and his father, a wonderful sight. His dad called before dawn and said to his son, he was on his way. In the snow and straight from work and tired. Where his father was "occasionally" present: his birth, all birthdays til 13, and all holidays. However, around age 9, his father started falling off, so to speak. His visits, even special occasions, became less and less. By the time our son graduated high school in which his dad did show, our son had become very bitter toward him. I would bring up his name or say how much he reminds me of him, and our son would freak out. Through all his hurt and pain, I watched intently, praying. The only advice I could offer was that his dad loves him and he cannot allow his pain to overtake him. I also iterated that one day him and his father will again be together and if not, never forget the times he was there for him, for us.
     I am not sure how my words affected him but I continued to believe God and pray. Low and behold, slowly but surely his father started to call again and managed visits. I know that this did my sons' heart good. He loves his father.
     So, I stand here today believing what the word of God says, "...we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him..."(Romans 8:28). So mothers stay focus, positive and strong in what you desire for your children's relationship with their father. Not what you want for you because the idea of you getting back with dad may be out of the question. But 9 out of 10 times, a father will always desire to be an ideal one. This is the will of God concerning our sons life, to have a positive role model although not perfect but nonetheless, he is his dad. God bless you all and keep the faith. In the words of Rutgers University, football player #52; Eric LeGrand - Believe...


Jerri of MARS

Nurturing lives

Happy New Year to All!
     Wow, time does fly when your having fun. I can only speak for myself when I say this because above all 2010 was a good year. Why, because I made it through all obstacles placed before me such as health scares, my fathers death and another loved one known as Sherry; my very dear sister-n-law and confidant. I believe they're both in a better place. 
My son held down two jobs and school full time. Oh, and my dear covenant Fancy aka Kim, held our 1st women's conference. God has really moved in all of our lives and I'm sure were all grateful. Whether we're abound or abase, God is good and His mercies endure forever.
     My dear Mars, I would like to commend those mothers who alone, but not without God the Father, raised sons to become true decision makers. Sons who have become Police Officers: Shout out to, Ora mother of JarMarie and Doreen mother of Dwayne. These two young men decided to serve and protect. These two young men devoted the next 20+ years of their precious lives to put others first. I truly believe that this kind of humility is not only genetics but more importantly a process of rational thinking. These young men, sons are now problem solvers and critical thinkers which are key elements to manhood. I know that this type of job is not one you decide to accept because the money is good; No, because nobody could never come up with a monetary figure for their lives. This type of humanity comes from the one that knew us before we were in our mothers' womb. God said, JarMarie and Dwayne, my desire for your life is to serve and protect those less fortunate. Upholding justice for the unjust and putting law breakers in their rightful place. These two young men went through several months of rigorous training both mentally and physically. They had plenty of time to think this choice through and at any given moment could have failed but God made it so that they had the mindset to be victorious. 
     You see testimonies like this is what makes the journey of motherhood which often appears to be lonely, just to remind us that we're not. These two mothers decided to raise their sons without the daily partnership of  fathers in itself is courageous. They endured as good soldiers and fought the good fight of faith. These are the qualities that make up good mothers, not perfect, but nonetheless good! The United States Marines has a slogan that says, "the few, the proud, the Marines" but I would like to adopt and change just one word. "The few, the proud, the Mothers"; I take my hat off to Ora, Doreen and the host of other mothers out there who have raised good men. So continue to pray for these incredible women. Now they must go to another level of worry as their sons police the streets of New York.  As their sons perform their Godly duties: by putting the needs of others first and risking their lives so justice can prevail.
     Mothers I used the word 'worry' lightly because the word of God teaches us not to, but were human and ever learning. What we instill in our precious sons will one day be poured out of them. So lets watch what we do and say especially around our baby boys. We are their first protectors. Their primary teachers. What you wouldn't let a stranger do to harm them, watch that you don't either. If you don't curse at your boss, friends, or people in general, then DON'T curse at them. Please watch what you say about others too, this can depict poor images in their minds. Trust me, young minds can distinguish good from evil better than we can most of the time, but they can't trust their actions or feelings. Counteract and foster positive images by placing up pictures of true leaders. Lets stop talking at them and explain more to them. My mother use to talk so much at me that I use to literally turn her off. I'm sure I missed out on a lot of valuable information but I found that now, when I 'explain' to my son he actually listens. Don't forget when your stern and set standards, they mistakes this for being 'mean'. I often say, "I'm not being mean but listen when I say...because it's for your own good or protection". Their little sponges, just waiting for our next action. Seeking out if you can keep your word and hold your ground. So, don't let up; with patience, love and careful instruction our sons will prevail. Their so impressed by you. Unfortunately, they don't know what's good or bad unless you explain to them first. They must hear it from YOU first! You always have an audience when their around whether you know it or not. Protect the air they breathe; keep away the pollution of negativity in people, places and things. Teach them to seek out positive atmospheres where there's encouragement, laughter, peace, kindness and room to grow. Allow other people who have endured to assist in the nurturing process because raising him alone can overtake you. 
     Our sons are tender shoots growing sometimes out of very harsh environments but that has never and should never stop their potential to grow strong and proud. The best time is now, so let's start this year by becoming more conscious of our surroundings, the audience of our sons and God.
Lastly, remember anything can grow if you nurture it right. Never forget, there is life on MARS!
Sincerely,
Jerri of Mars