Who's mind is stayed on Thee...

Hey Mars,

     As I sit here praying about what should I write, I hear the Holy Spirit say, Peace! 
     I know we all can use some of this. You see this peace is not from the world, but the kind that comes directly from the Father. 
     He says, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world..." This peace is perfect in all its ways. When your mind is going crazy with thoughts, peace. When your body is wrapped in pain, peace. When that non-driver cuts you off and you want to give him or her the little piece of mind you have left, peace! I can't sleep at night, and I'm tired of tossing and turning, peace! My children are acting like complete strangers, peace. Will this nightmare ever end, type of peace.
     Oh, but the peace of God, perfect in all its ways. Peace that rolls like the rivers still waters, birds chirping, dew on my feet in the grassy meadows while the sun shines on me like I'm the star because in His eyes I am. Just sheer perfection. I heard somebody say, it passes all understanding which guards our hearts and mind in Christ Jesus. Some folk can't understand; why, you have not totally lost your mind. They only know what you've allowed them to hear and yet if the truth be told, you've cried all night long. Only to get up the next morning, as if nothing else matters because it really doesn't. You washed your face until it glowed. Took the hottest shower you could stand and cried some more. Now, here's the good part, you heard the Spirit say, "stop all that weeping, its morning", ha, oh yea speak Lord. Put yo good face on, combed your hair and stepped out the door, feeling and looking rather wonderful. What just happened? You ask yourself.
     This is what that perfect peace causes one to do. Let Jesus speak to your storm, be still and know that He Is God! Only those that are His can pass this type of understanding concerning peace, did I say "pass"; oh you didn't know this was all and only a test. Did you pass the last one? If not remember to pass the next one. They get harder, but to those who practice prayer, supplication and thanksgiving, are often prepared. Again, this is not just any peace but the perfect peace of God and His son, who is the Prince of Peace...


Peace, love and soul,
Jerri of Mars

Lets go CrAzY!!! (a loving story)

Hey Mars,
     I thought I'd share my "giving back" episode on yesterday. First of all, just because my son is 20 and self sufficient, is not an opportunity to take off my bra and start swinging from the vines, screaming I'm free. No, no, no but it is about giving back to other mothers for support, love and encouragement. So, getting back to yesterday...Ok, I'm on vacation and invited my god-daughter (10 yr old) with her mom, 8 yr old brother, and 18 yr old sister, to spend the night. They got here late Tuesday evening so I suggested they stay one mo night. 
     Here's the kicker, I also scheduled a play date with my other three babies for Wednesday. I schedule these times with them on our vacations. These precious Bebe's
(my niece/nephews) are a set of twins (5 yr old: boy/girl) and another 8 yr old brother.
     Oh, here's the other thing, you know I have several "other mothers"; so, I went with her to the doctors yesterday morning. This took an hour longer than anticipated. So, by the times I got back to the house there  were: 2 mothers, 2 five year old, 2 eight year old, 1 ten year old, an 18 year old and my loving son, 20 yr old. 
     He was half crazy because our once peaceful and humble abode was now consumed with pure energy, that at any moment was destined to get chaotic. 
     As I was walking home, my plan was to take all that energy and walk them to the grocery store. We did, but when we got back to the house, it was time for crazy. In my teacher mind, I am always thinking structure, planning, and innovation. When you're amongst this varied age group you have to be proactive. There needs to be a wow factor especially for the younger ones, so I showed them how to "puree" assorted vegetables to mix into our homemade tomato sauce. 
     As you know, its hard to get kids to eat vegetables but they love spaghetti, so we killed two birds with one stone. Now, I put the 10 year old on bathroom duty, you know making sure hands were being washed and water playing was at a minimum. The 18 year old was overseeing movie watching and video game sharing. We had popcorn, juice and Redbox. Now, mother and I can cook dinner, but not without the constant interruptions into my very small, galley way kitchen. You know just as quick as they tried to invade they were immediately eradicated.
     Before the night was over, I took the younger girls and treated them to a good ole homemade nail salon manicure. Bring out the sparkles! Did I also mention that I offered to take out my nieces very small cornrows and she's tender headed, yea. There's a method to that madness too, take them out in parts and we managed. She's the best! 
     Ok, moving on, my loving son return from work and chimed right in with the supervision of the Wii Sports gaming. 
     Before I knew it was 9:30 pm aka shut it down time. Oh, mother needed her brown juice (that's Pepsi on the rocks) and the house which was once crazy was now back to being peaceful and humble. However, I awoke this morning feeling like I had a hangover with some real brown juice! Thank God for my dear sistah, another mother of Mars, who walked me right into Venus with some good ole girl talk.  
       Mars, let's not forget those people who took your child or children off your hands for a view hours, so that you can usher in a peaceful mind set because being on Mars has its own issues. So, use your "free time" wisely and don't remember to also give back to other mothers who may need the same. 
     In the words of Monique: "We love you for free, sugar!" now wrapped your arms around yourself and give yourself a big hug. Until next time, don't just look back, give back!
Always,
Jerri of Mars

Little boys crying out in the wilderness...

Hey Mars,

Please help me in my distress. Anybody who knows me, can relate to my love for boys. I asked God for a boy; I have seven brothers; two god sons and about seven nephews. I told you this before, but today, no yesterday, if not everyday, I see our young boys being sent to detention. Sistahs, when I look into the room, my heart breaks. Their foreseeable future seems bleak. Now, I try hard not to speak those things but statistics: numbers and the probabilities have not been proven wrong.
I asked a young boy, about the age of 9, "why do you act out in class?". He couldn't answer, so I asked the next possible question, "do you understand the lessons being taught in your classroom?". He answered "no". As we sat and asked him to explain the lesson he was given to complete while in the Principal's office; he let me know in words but could not began to put his thoughts to written words. So, as I literally led him down the pathway to putting his thoughts on paper, he had some difficulty writing a complete sentence. It was hard to watch because, check this out, he will be passed to move on to the sixth grade, with limited skills.
This will affect his chances to survive in middle school, high school and if he graduates, the probability of him becoming a productive citizen.
I frequent this website called, RaisingHimAlone.com, their based out of Maryland, New Jersey and DC. When you get a chance please take a look at the site and take the survey. These are brothers trying to reach back and help mothers and sons, like us, make it up and out of this crisis. Yes, black and Hispanic boys are the victims of this epidemic. It appears that nobody is really going all out for them. I often feel helpless and I cry for their souls.
So, if you can do something like talk to your pastors, deacons, positive males in your communities, then please ask them to find just ONE. We can start with just one soul at a time, just like Jesus did. And in the end, PRAY! But never give up, don't get mad at them, nor caste them out. We will never get to know their story until we get close enough to inquire of their thoughts.
Remember, it still takes a nation to raise a child and to each one teach one...

Lots of love,
Jerri of Mars

Back to mothering

Good day Mars,
Well this past week has been a doozy. My one and only was complaining about stomach pains and then began to vomit, for two days. A couple of months ago, I too was vomiting and was self diagnosed as having a stomach virus. Well, I then to thought that my son had the same, after all he had all the symptoms.
By the next night, at about 3am, he again continued with the obvious symptoms. By morning I decided to stay home and was advised to take him to his doctor. By the time the doctor looked him over, she then strongly suggested to take him to the emergency room. She suspected appendicitis. From 4:30 until 11 pm, he was confirmed and admitted. Surgery was scheduled for 7:30 the next morning: Friday.
Let me kindly express that when your baby turns 16 years/older, you better have monies for a private room because that's the only way you will be able to stay the night, in the hospital with him. Well at least this is what I was told. His father and I went to our separate homes only to return the next morning. His father was 15 minutes too late to see our son to the operating room. 
All was well, God is good! But I could not help but feel as though I had let my son down and this is why...We have never had so much as a common cold. Yea, he was stitched up at the tender age of 6 but nothing more than that. My sorrow came during church when my Pastor preached about the veil covering Moses face. This represented God's glory but since Jesus' death the veil has been removed but we like most  believers and Jewish people still are living under the old covenant. How is this so, because even now when the word is read, most believers hearts are still dull to God's glory which is His presence through Jesus Christ. In which we live, move and have our being; we are free to stand in His presence and receive His glory. We walk still in darkness, not free which leads to ignorance.
Nobody is exempt, we all at times walk with Jesus and not in Him. He is the truth, the light and the only way back to the father. Being that I am human and sometimes fall in the category of walking with Him, I felt as though I was not on my job, as his parent, to really investigate what was really going on with my son. God had to send someone else to tell me to take him to the doctor. Had it been left up to me and my lack of understanding it could have not been so successful. I don't beat myself up because God looks out for His own, even in our ignorance.
However, I am so very grateful to Him. He is faithful, loving and kind. I totally believe God for healing and if I didn't know anything that night, I knew that our son was going to be just fine. As for his mother, God is not through with me yet and I diligently seek Him. Besides this whole ordeal was about Jibrii getting to know Him as healer and I guess to sharpen me. Remember, iron sharpens iron...


Many blessings,


Jerri of Mars

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