A Taste of Mary's MySpace Blog | NEVER ALLOW ANYTHING OR ANYONE TO ROB YOU OF YOUR ABILITY TO SHINE!

2 The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. The light will shine on those living in the land of dark shadows. 3 You will make the nation great. You will give them great joy. They will be glad before You, as with the joy of gathering time, and as men have joy when they divide the riches taken after a battle. 4 For You will break the heavy load from their neck and shoulders. You will break the power of those who made it hard for them, as at the battle of Midian. 5 For every shoe of the soldiers in the battle, and every coat rolled in blood, will be burned in the fire. 6 For to us a Child will be born. To us a Son will be given. And the rule of the nations will be on His shoulders. His name will be called Wonderful, Teacher, Powerful God, Father Who Lives Forever, Prince of Peace. 7 There will be no end to His rule and His peace, upon the throne of David and over his nation. He will build it to last and keep it strong with what is right and fair and good from that time and forever. The work of the Lord of All will do this.

LUKE 1:26-56
Gabriel Speaks To Mary

26 Six months after Elizabeth knew she was to become a mother, Gabriel was sent from God to Nazareth. Nazareth was a town in the country of Galilee. 27 He went to a woman who had never had a man. Her name was Mary. She was promised in marriage to a man named Joseph. Joseph was of the family of David. 28 The angel came to her and said, "You are honored very much. You are a favored woman. The Lord is with you. *You are chosen from among many women."

29 When she saw the angel, she was troubled at his words. She thought about what had been said. 30 The angel said to her, "Mary, do not be afraid. You have found favor with God. 31 See! You are to become a mother and have a Son. You are to give Him the name Jesus. 32 He will be great. He will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the place where His early father David sat. 33 He will be King over the family of Jacob forever and His nation will have no end."

34 Mary said to the angel, "How will this happen? I have never had a man." 35 The angel said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come on you. The power of the Most High will cover you. The holy Child you give birth to will be called the Son of God.

36 "See, your cousin Elizabeth, as old as she is, is going to give birth to a child. She was not able to have children before, but now she is in her sixth month. 37 For God can do all things." 38 Then Mary said, "I am willing to be used of the Lord. Let it happen to me as you have said." Then the angel went away from her.

Mary Visits Elizabeth

39 At once Mary went from there to a town in the hill country of Judea. 40 She went to the house of Zacharias to see Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary speak, the baby moved in her body. At the same time Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
42 Elizabeth spoke in a loud voice, "You are honored among women! Your Child is honored! 43 Why has this happened to me? Why has the mother of my Lord come to me? 44 As soon as I heard your voice, the baby in my body moved for joy. 45 You are happy because you believed. Everything will happen as the Lord told you it would happen."

Mary's Song Of Thanks

46 Then Mary said, "My heart sings with thanks for my Lord. 47 And my spirit is happy in God, the One Who saves from the punishment of sin. 48 The Lord has looked on me, His servant-girl and one who is not important. But from now on all people will honor me. 49 He Who is powerful has done great things for me. His name is holy. 50 The loving-kindness of the Lord is given to the people of all times who honor Him. 51 He has done powerful works with His arm. He has divided from each other those who have pride in their hearts. 52 He has taken rulers down from their thrones. He has put those who are in a place that is not important to a place that is important. 53 He has filled those who are hungry with good things. He has sent the rich people away with nothing. 54 He has helped Israel His servant. This was done to remember His loving-kindness. 55 He promised He would do this to our early fathers and to Abraham and to his family forever." 56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months. Then she went to her own home.

Luke 2:1-40
The Birth Of Jesus

1 In those days Caesar Augustus sent out word that the name of every person in the Roman nation must be written in the books of the nation. 2 This first writing took place while Quirinius was ruler of Syria. 3 So all the people went to their own cities to have their names written in the books of the nation. 4 Joseph went up from the town of Nazareth in the country of Galilee to the town of Bethlehem. It was known as the city of David. He went there because he was from the family of David. 5 Joseph went to have his and Mary's names written in the books of the nation. Mary was his promised wife and soon to become a mother.
6 While they were there in Bethlehem, the time came for Mary to give birth to her baby. 7 Her first son was born. She put cloth around Him and laid Him in a place where cattle are fed. There was no room for them in the place where people stay for the night.

The Shepherds Learn Of The Birth Of Jesus

8 In the same country there were shepherds in the fields. They were watching their flocks of sheep at night.

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9 The angel of the Lord came to them. The shining-greatness of the Lord shone around them. They were very much afraid. 10 The angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. See! I bring you good news of great joy which is for all people. 11 Today, One Who saves from the punishment of sin has been born in the city of David. He is Christ the Lord. 12 There will be something special for you to see. This is the way you will know Him. You will find the Baby with cloth around Him, lying in a place where cattle are fed." 13 At once many angels from heaven were seen, along with the angel, giving thanks to God. They were saying, 14 "Greatness and honor to our God in the highest heaven and peace on earth among men who please Him."

The Shepherds Go To Bethlehem

15 The angels went from the shepherds back to heaven. The shepherds said to each other, "Let us go now to Bethlehem and see what has happened. The Lord has told us about this." 16 They went fast and found Mary and Joseph. They found the Baby lying in a place where cattle are fed. 17 When they saw the Child, they told what the angel said about Him. 18 All who heard it were surprised at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary hid all these words in her heart. She thought about them much. 20 The shepherds went back full of joy. They thanked God for all they had heard and seen. It happened as the angel had told them.

Jesus Taken To The House Of God

21 When eight days were over, they did the religious act of becoming a Jew on the Child. He was named Jesus. This name was given to Him by the angel when Mary was told He was to be born. 22 When the days were over for her to be made pure as it was written in the Law of Moses, they took Jesus to Jerusalem to give Him to the Lord. 23 It is written in the Law of the Lord, "The first-born male born of a woman will be called holy to the Lord." 24 They were to give a gift of two turtle-doves or two young birds on the altar in worship to the Lord. This was written in the Law of the Lord.

Simeon's Song Of Thanks

25 There was a man in Jerusalem by the name of Simeon. He was a good man and very religious. He was looking for the time when the Jewish nation would be saved. The Holy Spirit was on him. 26 The Holy Spirit made it known to Simeon that he would not die before he had seen God's Chosen One. 27 He came to the house of God being led by the Holy Spirit. The parents took Jesus to the house of God. They came to do what the Law said must be done. 28 Then Simeon took Jesus in his arms. He gave honor to Him and thanked God, saying, 29 "Lord, now let me die in peace, as You have said. 30 My eyes have seen the One Who will save men from the punishment of their sins. 31 You have made Him ready in the sight of all nations. 32 He will be a light to shine on the people who are not Jews. He will be the shining-greatness of Your people the Jews." 33 Joseph and the mother of Jesus were surprised and wondered about these words which were said about Jesus. 34 Simeon honored them and said to Mary the mother of Jesus, "See! This Child will make many people fall and many people rise in the Jewish nation. He will be spoken against. 35 A sword will cut through your soul. By this the thoughts of many hearts will be understood."

Anna Gives Thanks For Jesus

36 Anna was a woman who spoke God's Word. She was the daughter of Phanuel of the family group of Asher. Anna was many years old. She had lived with her husband seven years after she was married. 37 Her husband had died and she had lived without a husband eighty-four years. Yet she did not go away from the house of God. She served God day and night, praying and going without food so she could pray better. 38 At that time she came and gave thanks to God. She told the people in Jerusalem about Jesus. They were looking for the One to save them from the punishment of their sins and to set them free.

They Return To Nazareth
(Matthew 2:19-23)

39 When Joseph and Mary had done everything the Law said to do, they went back to Nazareth in Galilee. 40 The Child grew and became strong in spirit. He was filled with wisdom and the loving-favor of God was on Him.

John 3:16-17

16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son. Whoever puts his trust in God's Son will not be lost but will have life that lasts forever. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to say it is guilty. He sent His Son so the world might be saved from the punishment of sin by Him.

Acts 16:30-45
30 ..."What must I do to be saved?"
31 They said, "Put your trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and you and your family will be saved from the punishment of sin."

Romans 10:9-10 (New Life Version)
9 If you say with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved from the punishment of sin. 10 When we believe in our hearts, we are made right with God. We tell with our mouth how we were saved from the punishment of sin.

http://blog.myspace.com/atasteofmary

Currently listening:
Christmas with Yolanda Adams
By Yolanda Adams
Release date: 24 October, 2000

Sunday, November 23, 2008

ALL 365 DAYS- THANKSGIVING
Current mood:

chipper

HAVE A HAPPY THANKSGIVING 365 DAYS A YEAR!

1 Kings 18:41 (New Life Version)
Then Elijah said to Ahab, "Go up, eat and drink. For there is the sound of much rain."

Your deepest hopes will become your nearest reality. Psalm 37:4-5 (New Life Version) Be happy in the Lord. And He will give you the desires of your heart. 5 Give your way over to the Lord. Trust in Him also. And He will do it.

1 THESSALONIANS 5:18 NKJ
18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

No matter how dark and hopeless the situation may look -- give thanks. This is God's will for you. Thank Him for the opportunity to see His deliverance. Thank Him for His mercy and grace. Thank Him for His faithfulness. Thank Him for defeating the devil and setting you free in Christ Jesus. Thank Him that Jesus is Lord. Thank Him that your name is written in Heaven. Thank Him for loving you and taking good care of you. Thank Him! Thank Him!

PHILIPPIANS 4:6 NKJ
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

Instead of worrying, scripture tells us to be thankful and pray.

COLOSSIANS 4:2 NKJ
2 Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving;

COLOSSIANS 1:3 NKJ
3 We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,

We are to be thankful for people, too.

EPHESIANS 1:16 NKJ
16 do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers:

1 THESSALONIANS 1:2 NKJ
2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers,

1 TIMOTHY 2:1 NKJ
1 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men,

It is easy to thank God for those people who love and help us. Those who do not are harder to be thankful for. Yet, 1 Timothy 2:1 says to give thanks for ALL men.

Why?

As we give thanks it keeps bitterness and hatred from taking root in us. It keeps our attitude straight. It helps us to remember that no matter how bad someone may be, God still loves them and desires to redeem them. God has a plan for them and they are valuable. Everyone was created to contribute something. So we begin to see them from God's perspective -- what their potential and worth is -- not just the wrong they may have done.

Those who are in Heaven give abundant thanks to God for all He has done.

REVELATION 4:9-11 NKJ
9 Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever,
10 the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying:
11 "You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created."

REVELATION 11:16-17 NKJ
16 And the twenty-four elders who sat before God on their thrones fell on their faces and worshiped God,
17 saying: "We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was and who is to come, because You have taken Your great power and reigned."

Gratitude is a mark of maturity. Ingratitude is a mark of immaturity.

Do babies thank their parents for all they do? Only after they grow up! A person who is not thankful has never grown up.

The cure for unhappiness is being thankful.

Depression is caused by ingratitude about:
1. Who you are, or are not.
2. What you have, or do not have.
3. What you do, or do not get to do.

You cannot be happy without being thankful.

You cannot be thankful without being happy.

SO BE THANKFUL!

"Don't hesitate to reach for a goal that's higher than most, when it's in your spiritual DNA to grasp the stars." {quote from my book}

Hope your Thanksgiving went well...

WHY I AM THANKFUL:

God loved you and I so much that He paid a visit to earth over 2000 years ago... traveling incognito, he was born via immaculate conception & at the age of 33 gladly suffered the death of the cross. He bore ALL of our error & "the dark side"- and vicariously traded places with us. We were facing the punishment He endured so that we would not have to. He went to hell and set our captive souls free from the addiction of sin and reckless pleasures... from the influence of evil. He did rise up from the grave on the 3rd day in a new glorious body, fit for heaven and the abundant life.

Isaiah 53, John 3:16-26, John 10:10 explains more- Romans 10:9-20, Romans 8:28 & Romans chapter 5.

In studying the books of John and Acts you can find the One who already found you & loved you just the way you are, but did something to take you from where you are to where you are going in life. He loves you and me enough to NEVER leave us the same as He found us, but perfects us more and more each day.

Psalm 138:8 (King James Version)

The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.

Job 23:14 (KJV)
14 For he performeth the thing that is appointed for me...

Philippians 1:6
6 ...he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it...

Philippians 2:13
13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Luke 1:37 (New Life Version)
"God can do all things."

Philippians 4:13
"I can do all things because Christ gives me the strength."

Isaiah 40:8 The grass withers, the flower fades,
But the word of our God stands forever."

Ephesians 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.

HTTP://BLOG.MYSPACE.COM/ATASTEOFMARY

Currently listening:
Ella and Louis
By Ella Fitzgerald
Release date: 07 March, 2000

Saturday, November 01, 2008

K. O. ~ CIGARS & WINE
Current mood:

content
Category: Food and Restaurants

YES, I DID IT. I ACTUALLY SOLD CIGARS AND WINE AT A TRENDY, BUT ELEGANT SPOT IN NYC. THIS TOOK THE EDGE OFF OF THE RIGORS OF FILM SCHOOL & MODELING IN MANHATTAN.

HOW AND WHY DID I GET INVOLVED? WHAT SPARKED MY INTEREST? OTHER THAN MY EUROPEAN ROOTS AND PASSION FOR INTERNATIONAL CUISINE... CURIOSITY!

MY GRANDPAS BOTH SMOKED AN OCCASIONAL CHURCHILL. BELIEVE IT OR NOT, THE SCENT NEVER BOTHERED ME. IT ACTUALLY REMINDED ME OF LICORICE OR A SPICE RACK.

I ALREADY HAD KNOWLEDGE OF ITALIAN, FRENCH AND SPANISH WINES, FROM WITHIN MY FAMILY MAKE-UP. WHEN YOU GROW UP SURROUNDED BY CHEFS WHO TEACH YOU HOW TO COOK ON A STOOL AT 5 YEARS OLD, YOU LEARN EARLY-ON HOW TO PAIR (MATCH) WINE WITH FOOD.

HOWEVER, IT WAS FROM NEW YORK TO ITALY TO FRANCE, THAT I BEGIN MATING THE THREE SUCCESSFULLY. WITH OR WITHOUT FOOD, THERE IS A CERTAIN SCIENCE THAT I FORMULATED IN MENU FORMAT {MY SECRET}. MORE SPECIFICALLY, THERE IS A PERFECT CIGAR FOR BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER. THE SAME RULE APPLIES FOR WINE IF ONE MUST START AT SUNRISE.

WHILE I DON'T FANCY ALCOHOLISM, EMPHYSEMA, SMOKING OR DRINKING, TO EACH IS OWN.

ONE THING I DID DO IN TRAINING, NOT ONLY FOR PROTOCOL, BUT BECAUSE I BELIEVE THAT ONE MUST HAVE A TASTE OF A PRODUCT, OR TEST IT BEFORE IT CAN BE OPTIMALLY SOLD... I TASTED THE WRAPPERS.

I WAS PLEASANTLY SURPRISED TO DISCOVER THAT THE DON GUILLERMO VANILLA WAS BY FAR, THE SWEETEST OF ALL THE CIGARS, THEREBY MAKING IT MY FAVORITE. I CALL IT THE "DESSERT OR LADY'S CIGAR".

MY BEST SELLERS, DUE TO POPULARITY, WERE THE COHIBA TRIANGULO, NOT TOO MILD BUT JUST SPICY ENOUGH! (AVERAGE SIZE DOMINICAN CIGAR, TORPEDO SHAPE… OF COURSE CUBA HAS A VERSION), DON GUILLERMO VANILLA (PETIT, SLIM, SWEET) & ARTURO FUENTE (PRICEY- IN YOUR FACE- MUHAMMAD ALI- PREDICTABLY GOOD)

PhatPimpClothing.com

Pimped by

{MACANUDO, ROMEO y JULIETA, MONTECRISTO, CAMACHO, HOYO de MONTERREY, LA GLORIA CUBANA, LA FLOR de JAVA, DAVIDOFF, EXCALIBUR, ABAM, PARTAGAS & PUNCH WERE IN TOP RUNNINGS}

AS FOR MY WHITE WINE PICK, I CHOOSE THE SANTA MARGARITA PINOT GRIGIO. IT'S CRISP, COOL, A BIT TART, BUT REFRESHING. SORT OF LIKE WHAT GATORADE IS TO AN ATHLETE. SUPERB WITH LITE PASTA, SEAFOOD, SORBET, MILD CHEESE, GRAPES & BREAD… WHITE ZINFANDEL IS WHAT I CALL A "CHEAT WINE". IT GOES WELL WITH THESE FOODS ALSO, BUT IT'S ACTUALLY A BLUSH WINE, PINK IN COLOR (ROSÉ or BLANC DE NOIR IN FRANCE).

RED SELECTIONS ARE CABERNET SAUVIGNON, BEAUJOLAIS (Supérieur OR Primeur- extremes), CHABLIS (BLANCHOTS or BOUGROS) & CHIANTI CLASSIC RESERVE (Ruffina) WITH PASTA, MEAT & POTATOES, SHARP CHEESE, FRUIT & BREAD (ALSO A COMPLIMENT TO CHOCOLATE).

I CAN'T FORGET RAMIREZ de LA PISCINA 1994 GRAN RESERVA RIOJA (SMOKEY, EARTHY RED WINE- MANCHEGO CHEESE BRINGS OUT ITS FRUITINESS, ALSO FABULOUS WITH BARBECUE).

A RARE FIND IS BRUNELLO (BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO)! ONLY MADE IN ITALY, BOTTLED EVERY FOUR YEARS AND IS A RICH SHADE OF BROWN! EXCELLENT ACCOMPANIMENT WITH HEARTY STEWS, PÂTÉ, BREAD AND NUTS.

FINALLY, PROSECCO SPUMANTE "SUPERIORE di CARTIZZE" FROM A SUBZONE WITHIN VALDOBBIADENE- A SPARKLING WINE THAT COMPLIMENTS ANY DESSERT. (ALSO KNOWN AS BALBI, GLERA, SERPRINA, & TONDO)

ALL DELICIOUS & AFFORDABLE WITH OR WITHOUT FOOD!

SALUTE!

JOHN 2:3-10

3 When the wine was all gone, the mother of Jesus said to Him, "They have no more wine." 4 Jesus said to her, "Woman, what is that to you and to Me. It is not time for Me to work yet." 5 His mother said to the helpers, "Do whatever He says." 6 Six stone water jars were there. Each one held about one-half barrel of water. These water jars were used in the Jewish worship of washing. 7 Jesus said to the helpers, "Fill the jars with water." They filled them to the top. 8 Then He said, "Take some out and give it to the head man who is caring for the people." They took some to him. 9 The head man tasted the water that had become wine. He did not know where it came from but the helpers who took it to him knew. He called the man who had just been married. 10 The head man said to him, "Everyone puts out his best wine first. After people have had much to drink, he puts out the wine that is not so good. You have kept the good wine until now!"

IT'S OKAY TO CELEBRATE LIFE, BUT REMEMBER MODERATION IS KEY!

Currently listening:
Louis Prima - His Greatest Hits
By Louis Prima
Release date: 18 October, 1994

Saturday, June 30, 2007

IS IT IN YOU?
Current mood:

grateful
Category: Religion and Philosophy

THE TRUE GIFT
Category: Religion and Philosophy

I AM BEAUTIFUL NOT BECAUSE OF OUTWARD APPEARANCE. YOU AND I BOTH KNOW THAT IT'S ALWAYS IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER!

MY REAL BEAUTY COMES FROM WITHIN: JESUS.

HIS LIGHT BEAMS THROUGH EYES, A SMILE, PERSONALITY AND LIFESTYLE. IS HE IN YOU?

I AM TALENTED NOT BECAUSE OF DNA, TRAINING OR EXPERIENCE. YOU AND I BOTH KNOW MONEY CAN'T BUY NATURAL ABILITY ANYWAY.

MY REAL TALENT IS ONE WITH THE INNER-ME: JESUS.

PLEASE DON'T JUDGE A PACKAGE BY THE WRAPPING. DON'T PRESUME ANYTHING BY SHAKING IT AND LISTENING.

THERE'S MORE THAN THE LIP GLOSS, STILETTOS, A CAMERA, RUNWAY OR A SCRIPT. I HAVE AN INVALUABLE GIFT: JESUS.

THE TRUE GIFT, THAT MAKES ME BETTER THAN I AM ON MY WORST DAY!

HE SHINES IN ALL THAT I DO.

THE BEST PERFORMANCE IS NEVER OF MY OWN STRENGTH BECAUSE I KNOW THAT HE PERFORMS THE THING THAT IS APPOINTED FOR ME-THROUGH ME.

THIS IS THE TRUE GIFT THAT SETS ME APART FROM EVERYONE ELSE WHO UNFORTUNATELY DID NOT SURVIVE RAPE, BEING LEFT FOR DEAD, ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIPS, HOMELESSNESS AND THE LOSS OF OVER 150 RELATIVES TO HURRICANE KATRINA- AND WALKED AWAY EMPOWERED WITH MY LIFE, MY HEALTH, MY DIGNITY, SANITY, A PASSION TO UPLIFT OTHERS AND A VISION OF A BRIGHTER NOW, A SUNNY TOMORROW AND EVEN BETTER- A PAST THAT PASSED AWAY ALONG WITH THE PAIN ASSOCIATED WITH YESTERDAY!

JESUS: THE TRUE GIFT. IS HE IN YOU?

Yesterday
By Mary Mary
BestAudioCodes.com

Currently listening:
Out the Box
By Tonex & The Peculiar People
Release date: 18 May, 2004

Thursday, May 03, 2007

MIXED NUTS
Category: Life

Current mood:

grateful
Category: Life

MIXED NUTS IS THE TITLE OF A VERY FUNNY FILM STARRING ONE OF MY FAVORITE COMEDIANS, STEVE MARTIN.

IT'S ALSO A TASTY SNACK FILLED WITH LOTS PROTEIN.

THEN THERE'S MY FAMILY: ALL SHAPES, SIZES, COLORS AND CULTURES. WHOEVER SAID "VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF LIFE" WAS ON POINT. FROM NATIVE AMERICAN TO JAPANESE, FROM SPANISH TO UGANDAN, FROM FRENCH TO DUTCH, FROM ITALIAN TO CAJUN, WE ALL LIVE, LOVE AND LAUGH OUT LOUD IN THE SAME LANGUAGE!

FOR THE MOST PART, A COMEDIC FLARE MUST BE IN OUR DNA. COME WHAT MAY, SOMEBODY'S GOT A JOKE AND A SMILE, USUALLY ME OR MY PARENTS.

BOTH GRANDPAS WERE HILARIOUS, MAY THEY REST IN PEACE. I TELL YOU THIS, THERE'S NOTHING LIKE A GOOD OLD-FASHION PRANK OR DARE TO STIR THINGS UP. THANK GOODNESS FOR LAUGHTER, BECAUSE SOMETIMES IT'S ALL YOU'VE GOT NEXT TO TEARS... A VERY THIN LINE.

MAMA IS AN EVANGELIST, LICENSED AND ORDAINED MINISTER, BUT SHE IS ALSO THE FOUNDER OF "SAFE HAVEN" CHARITY: SHELTER & MINISTRY. EVEN THOUGH SHE IS VERY COMMITTED TO A CORRESPONDING LIFESTYLE, SHE IS SO HUMOROUS. SOMETIMES IT'S DIFFICULT TO TELL IF I GOT MY FUNNY BONE FROM HER OR MY FATHER. {HONESTLY, I DIDN'T WANT TO BE LIKE MOM GROWING UP, BUT EVERYONE AGREES THAT I'M MOST LIKE HER TODAY, AND WITHOUT REGRET}

POP IS POP. HE'S A HELL-RAISER ONE MOMENT IF HE CAN'T "FIX IT OR SOLVE IT" AND THEN THE NEXT RICHARD PRYOR. NO KIDDING! THOUGH I'VE NEVER KNOWN HIM TO GIVE UP IF THINGS DIDN'T WORK AFTER THE FIRST FEW ROUNDS. EVENTUALLY, POP FIXES EVERYTHING! {ARCHITECT/CONTRACTOR & PIANIST}

MY OLDER BROTHER {ONLY BROTHER- COMPOSER/KEYBOARD} AND I CLOWN AROUND SO SIMILARLY THAT WE'VE BEEN MISTAKEN FOR TWINS, BUT THAT'S A REFLECTION OF HOW COMICAL OTHERS ARE. "RUDY" {PET NAME} HAS THE BODY OF A LINEBACKER, ONCE TIGHT END & FREE-SAFETY. HE'S 6' 4" AND APPROXIMATELY 250 LBS - AND DID I MENTION, THREE SHADES DEEPER THAN ME... BUT WE'RE TWINS?! I GET IT. WE BOTH GET IT!

THERE WERE TIMES WHEN WE WERE ON DIFFERENT COASTS AND STILL MANAGED TO BUY THE SAME HALLMARK CARDS FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS. THEN THERE WAS THE COO DE GRA WHEN "FACE OFF" DÉBUTED AND WE WERE IN THE SAME THEATER AT THE SAME TIME AND DIDN'T KNOW UNTIL LATER THAT NIGHT, ALMOST QUOTING EACH OTHER CRITIQUING THE FILM TO MOM.... YEAH, WE'RE TWINS A*K*A KINDRED SPIRITS!

MY SISTERS HAVE THIS THING ABOUT ME BEING THE YOUNGEST OF THE BUNCH. THEY STILL CALL ME BABY THIS- BABY THAT. WE ALWAYS HAVE A BLAST COOKING UP ONE DELICIOUS CUISINE OR ANOTHER, RECALLING OUR FUNNIEST MOMENTS. {EVEN FAMOUS LINE DIALOGUES}

NOTHING TOPS GREAT GRANDMA DOLLY'S HOMEMADE CANDY RECIPE THAT SHE PASSED ON TO MY OLDEST SIS. BUT THAT'S ANOTHER STORY ENTIRELY.

WE ARE ALL DELECTABLY UNIQUE & THERE YOU HAVE IT!

Psalm 139:14 (NIV)

14 I praise you Lord because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Currently listening:
Songs in the Key of Life
By Stevie Wonder
Release date: 02 May, 2000

Sunday, January 21, 2007

Mom Always Said... {remember?}

"Pearls- Not A Necklace"

{excerpt from my book- release date to be announced}

Do you have bunions, corns & calluses? Not the unsightly protrusions that grow on your feet, but the mind-born ones, heart-born, relationship-born, career-born, past-born, anger-born, envy-born etc...

-Lucky shoes that I wore until I outgrew them-

I auditioned for the girls track team in junior high wearing an old pair of good-looking sneakers from 5th grade. {I won countless prizes from theme parks while wearing them.} Coach Sistrunk was so altogether impressed with my track & field, that he asked me to train with the boys. I was honored, but after a few weeks nature {puberty} took its course, and I discovered that my "new chest" hindered me, since it was no longer a "chest" anymore.

Thus, I bowed out with all confidence knowing that I was great whether I ran for a medal or leisure. More importantly I learned that it wasn't the shoes, which by the way I had long-since outgrown, but "it" was in me all along. Some call "it" TALENT, some say "it's" a GIFT, but others credit GOD. . .

Me and those shoes had an ongoing love affair, but so did my favorite "Miss. Piggy" hooded sweatshirt and I. I wore them both until I could not fit them even the slightest. If my awesome Mother had not thrown them out when she did, I'd have bunions, corns & calluses today. THAT WAS A CLOSE CALL, BUT A GOOD CALL!

Take inventory of your life. What are you clinging to that you need to turn lose? Who are you holding onto that you need to let go of? Are you fooling yourself with a pride-based illusion of happiness? Do you need to win at everything, when not all things are competition?

Slow down. Sit still and take off those shoes that you knew were too exact when you bought them. They never did really fit in the first place. Though it seemed right, looked well and felt good at the time, you knew you needed more room to begin with: SPACE TO GROW.

Life can throw a hell of a wicked curve ball at you like a zenith Roger Clemens pitch. Don't swing at everything that looks hittable or even reasonable. Poor judgment comes from bad logic, plain and simple.

If you have a Mother or someone in your life who is usually RIGHT with super-SHARP discernment, think it over again before your personal happiness is NEVER. Something she may have warned you of over 10 years ago could still remain true in this moment.

Pray and cut your losses while you're ahead.

Life is short, your tomorrow could very well begin today!

Don't be a victim of your own shoes.

~CHANGE CAN BE UNCOMFORTABLE, BUT ADAPTING DOES NOT HAVE TO BE~

author, Mary*Michelle*Richard

Proverbs 6:20-27 (New International Version)

20 My son, keep your father's commands
       and do not forsake your mother's teaching.

21 Bind them upon your heart forever;
       fasten them around your neck (METAPHORIC PEARL NECKLACE).

  22 When you walk, they will guide you;
       when you sleep, they will watch over you;
       when you awake, they will speak to you.

23 For these commands are a lamp,
       this teaching is a light,
       and the corrections of discipline
       are the way to life,
24 keeping you from the immoral woman,
       from the smooth tongue of the wayward wife.
25 Do not lust in your heart after her beauty
       or let her captivate you with her eyes,
26 for the prostitute reduces you to a loaf of bread,
       and the adulteress preys upon your very life.
27 Can a man scoop fire into his lap
       without his clothes being burned?

"The word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."- Hebrews 4:12

Matthew 5:13-16 (New Life Version) "You are the salt of the earth. If salt loses its taste, how can it be made to taste like salt again? It is no good. It is thrown away and people walk on it. 14 You are the light of the world. You cannot hide a city that is on a mountain. 15 Men do not light a lamp and put it under a basket. They put it on a table so it gives light to all in the house. 16 Let your light shine in front of men. Then they will see the good things you do and will honor your Father Who is in heaven."

Luke 1:37 (New Life Version)
"God can do all things."

Philippians 4:13
"I can do all things because Christ gives me the strength."

TAKE COURAGE, DON'T LOSE HEART, KEEP THE FAITH & NEVER ALLOW ANYTHING OR ANYONE TO ROB YOU OF YOUR ABILITY TO SHINE!

Hello & Happy New Year!

This is Paula Mills, Mary's MySpace Moderator. Please be advised that Mary is an author.

While remarks are flattering, this is one of the quotes from her book of quotes: "WHAT GOOD IS YOUR HEAD IF GOD CAN'T TURN IT?"

Freedom of speech is wonderful, but plagiarism (copyright infringement) is a federal offense.

Maybe I don't have a good sense of humor, but better safe than sorry.

Please forgive me if I have offended you.

Any and all messages of a threatening nature are immediately forwarded to Ms. Richard's attorneys, and to the necessary entities/authorities on this site.

With Kind Regards,
Paula Mills {in the best interest of Mary Richard}

*By the way, if this warning does not apply to you, disregard it. The screening process is merely protocol.*

Currently listening:
Bette Midler Sings The Rosemary Clooney Songbook
By Bette Midler
Release date: 30 September, 2003

Wednesday, November 01, 2006

MIXED NUTS
Current mood:

grateful
Category: Life

MIXED NUTS IS THE TITLE OF A VERY FUNNY FILM STARRING ONE OF MY FAVORITE COMEDIANS, STEVE MARTIN.

IT'S ALSO A TASTY SNACK FILLED WITH LOTS PROTEIN.

FOR THE MOST PART, A COMEDIC FLARE MUST BE IN OUR DNA. COME WHAT MAY, SOMEBODY'S GOT A JOKE AND A SMILE, USUALLY ME OR MY PARENTS.

NOTHING TOPS GREAT GRANDMA DOLLY'S HOMEMADE CANDY RECIPE THAT SHE PASSED ON TO MY OLDEST SIS. BUT THAT'S ANOTHER STORY ENTIRELY.

WE ARE ALL DELECTABLY UNIQUE & THERE YOU HAVE IT!

Psalm 139:14 (NIV)

14 I praise you Lord because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Currently listening:
Songs in the Key of Life
By Stevie Wonder
Release date: 02 May, 2000

Monday, October 30, 2006

I Love Sports Too Much
Current mood:

peaceful
Category: Sports

MOTHER RAISED ME ON THE LAKERS, AND IT WASN'T BEFORE LONG THAT I LEARNED TO SEE THE MAGIC FOR MYSELF!

I WAS THE ONLY CHEERLEADER IN SCHOOL WHO NOT ONLY LOVINGLY UNDERSTOOD THE GAME, BUT I'D RUN UP JUST BEFORE THE HALF TO PERFORM COMMENTARIES WRITTEN BY MYSELF OR SOMETIMES IMPROV (COMBO).

I LOVE SPORTS, BUT BASKETBALL IS TOP-SHELF!!

I LOVE SPORTS TOO MUCH!

COMMENT IN REFERENCE TO MAGIC JOHNSON'S PREDICTION ON June 9, 2006-

WARM GREETINGS FROM HOT HOUSTON:

-I KNOW THIS IS OLD NEWS, BUT I BELIEVED IN MIAMI FROM THE JUMP-

THIS WAS ONE OF THE BETTER MATCH-UPS IN YEARS, SO IT WAS AN INCREDIBLY ENTERTAINING SERIES. DIDN'T MISS A GAME.

HAD MY 1ST CAR ACCIDENT 06/15/06- THREE CARS HIT ME FROM DIFFERENT ANGLES- BELIEVE IT OR NOT, I OPTED TO GO HOME AND WATCH THE GAME IN PEACE, SINCE I WASN'T IN PIECES... THE LORD BLESSED ME WITH PERFECT HEALTH AND NEVER ONCE DID I REQUIRE PHYSICAL THERAPY!! I AM A TRUE LOVER OF BASKETBALL FROM THE WOMB.... (MY ENTIRE FAMILY)

-D. WADE IS ALL HEART- SORT OF REMINDED ME OF MJ IN THE 1991 FINALS-

IT IS WONDERFUL THAT MAGIC CONTINUES TO STICK AROUND THE NBA. ALMOST ANYBODY CAN RESPECT A VOICE OF EXPERIENCE, AND I WOULD LIKE TO PERSONALLY THANK HIM FOR THE UNADULTERATED TRUTH, AND FOR THE MOST PART, UNBIASED OPINIONS. IT IS BOTH GREATLY NEEDED AND APPRECIATED. GREAT PLAYERS ARE THE GLUE THAT HOLDS IT ALL TOGETHER!

THE FAMILY THAT PLAYS TOGETHER, STAYS TOGETHER. ALL THE BEST TO YOU AND YOURS!!

........................................................................................................

At the end of the year Academy Sports & Outdoors will have my posters in their stores (Adidas, New Balance & Nike ads). Be sure to stop by and let me know what u think! Look 4ward 2 networking with u soon. Remember, life's lemons make excellent lemonade, and there's no need to perceive a glass half empty when in fact it's half full!

NEVER ALLOW ANYTHING OR ANYONE TO ROB YOU OF YOUR ABILITY TO SHINE! - MARY RICHARD

14 "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden;

15 Nobody lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
16 "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."

Matthew 5:14-16 (NASB)

Romans 8:30

He called to Himself also those He chose. Those He called, He made right with Himself. Then He shared His shining-greatness with them.

Currently listening:
Chocolate Factory
By R Kelly
Release date: 18 February, 2003

Psalm 139:14 (NIV)

Proverbs 6:20-27 (New International Version)

20 My son, keep your father's commands and do not forsake your mother's teaching.

Psalm 139:14 (NIV)

........................................................................................................

14 "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden;

Romans 8:30

He called to Himself also those He chose. Those He called, He made right with Himself. Then He shared His shining-greatness with them.

20 My son, keep your father's commands
and do not forsake your mother's teaching.