MEETTA TALKS- Hello Readers!

Hey There REaders!

Been awhile, I know. Lots been going on with me and I will have much to share with you. Just twan to say a quick hello and say I haven't forgotten you. THANK YOU for not forgetting me and my blog. As life has given me much to share, I've been trying to keep up with all of the happenings in my life. Moving UPWARD and FORWARD! Full steam ahead!

Been keepinng a busy schedule. Trying now to put things in order. New things have happened! Old things are passed aways. God is a rejuvenator! He is a God of his word. He is THE ONE TRUE LIVING GOD! A God of hope!

Before I go, I want to be of encouraging help as it always gives me pleasure and purpose to to do so, espceically in teh midst of my own journey. If I may be so bold as to say...
Get in the word of God and apply it to your life. Stay faithful to it and do not waiver, for if you head my words and take Gods words to heart, you will see your life take on unnatural heights! You will soar beyond others and even your own doubts and expectaions for you!

Please take it from me! Love the Lord Jesus with all your might and watch your life grow! You will not fail in him. Watch him transform, renew and restore! For he...knows the plans he has for you. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11. Read for yourself and believe.

LOVE YOU MUCH...MEETTA

MEETTA TALKS ~ GIFT GIVING, Part 1

HEY, EVERYBODY!

Well maybe just hello to the one reader whose reading today as this is CHRISTMAS DAY, considering, many others are busy with their holiday plans. Smile!

I had plans too, but they got squashed. I found myself with my son scampering to create new plans at the last minute! And actually in the midst of our day, something ELSE HAPPENED! And even though I just got home, threw my coat on the back of my desk chair, typing while sitting with one boot on, I felt compelled to get right on it. I wanted to let you know all of the wonderful details. But first, I need to write about gift giving. That's right!

See, as this is Christmas, there are undoubtedly many smiling faces of people who have swapped more material gifts than any other time of the year, for most.

People have different ideas about gift giving.

Though there are many of you who have both received and or given gifts, there are many people who don't participate in gift exchange for one reason or another. There are also those among us who are alone, sad, lonely, sick, forgotten and all else who may did not receive anything! There are also people who have seemingly everything, family, friends, a spouse, caring children, money, employment, and material wealth, but they have no real joy. They may not even fully understand the real meaning of giving or receiving, for that matter! There are also people who are poor financially but have A TON of joy which brings me to one a particularly special kind of gift!

Joy is a gift from God. He was the first gift giver!

Joy is a gift that is given freely and available to all who seek and grab hold to it!

God is no respecter of person! Meaning, what he makes available to one, he makes available to another.

Joy is a gift that means even when things are not going well, you can find peace, strength, gratitude and the hope that things will get better while yet holding on during tough situations. Joyful people are so grateful for even the little they may have, that they often very willing to freely share it with others, with no quest of a return. Joyful people often smile when it seems there isn't much to smile about. They know how to laugh! And can often find something harmless to laugh about. Their joy, (which surpasses happiness) is noticeable, infectious, uplifting, also frustrating, crazy and confusing to some around them. Their joy is frustrating, crazy and or confusing to some because those people are bound. Bound by joyless-ness, misery, criticism and or jealousy just to name a few. Instead of trying to find out how to obtain Joy themselves, they get wound up over someone elses' joy. Often times trying to "rain on their parade. "Misery loves company". I don't know the wise person who said that, but I've found it to be very, very true!

Gift giving.

Yes! There are many, many people who give, especially during this particular season. There are many givers, and many, many more receivers. But how are they giving and in what attitude are they receiving?...is the topic of this piece.

Gift giving is an important subject especially during this time of year! Considering life and time is precious, people spend much time out of their lives in long lines at the departments stores returning gifts they've received!

Like I said before, the attitude of giving and receiving gifts is the topic of this piece.

For one thing, many people give gifts to appease rather than to make someone happy by fulfilling desires or meeting needs. The gift giving appeaser, appease themselves or the receiver of the gift. Often times, in this kind of situation, the gift wasn't necessarily given because the giver really wanted to give this person something in the first place! Many people give gifts to people who they would not normally give a gift to for different reasons including guilt, obligation, shame, pity or to ease either their minds, the receiver or the mind of a third party. I call such gifts "token gifts". Token gifts because often times, they really don't mean anything, especially to the giver! For one thing, there was not much effort in the choosing of the gift. For another thing, you can just about feel the pressure of obligation behind this sort of gift giving!

Please know these "token gifts", gifts given in this manner, usually don't fool the receiver of the gift! In my experience, I have felt I have received such gifts. They usually are items that let me know this person has no idea of an appropriate gift for me. Just a "little something" they picked up. The gift has nothing to do with me, my likes, my interests or need for example. The gift doesn't reflect me in anyway! Which means there was no "real thought" of whether I would enjoy the gift or not. It's not about price value. It's about the spirit in which a gift is given and the thought behind it. As we say, " It's the thought that counts!" It truly, truly is!

Usually people use that last phrase, "It's the thought that counts", in defense. Yet not fully understanding that that saying also defends both the positive and negative thoughts behind the gift giving! Yes! It is the thought that counts! Even when there is little or no thought put into it!

I've received more than my share of miniature body and bath items, random gift items, and useless trinkets. Usually times I have found myself re- gifting such items back out, but as part of a larger package! If it wasn't for my son wanting to keep one such gift this Christmas, I would have re-gifted it back out too! Reader, I don't know how you feel about receiving token gifts, with little sentiment in them, but I for one HATE TOKEN GIFTS! There is not real heartfelt thought behind or in them! They really only inform the receiver that they were thought very little of. A joyful person myself, I personally don't need that kind of sentiment! It's also difficult to be grateful for such gifts. I usually just let the moment pass after receiving them. So, save your money and effort on token gifts for me!

Do you see how much more complicated gift giving can be?

It is made more complicated by the useless, wasteful spending, time and effort it can take!

I don't get it! See, I'm not a person who needs to receive return for the gifts I give anyway! The people who "truly" know me, know that about me! I give gifts, taking into account the person I am giving it to. I don't believe that you should give a gift that you wouldn't like to receive yourself. At least care about the quality of the gift you are giving! I'm not a mind reader, so my gifts aren't always perfect, but I watch and I listen. I pay attention! As intelligent as the "token" gift giver may not know that I am, I am actually quite intelligent! I try to give thoughtful gifts if I'm going to take the time, effort and money to give one. And I also know a thoughtful gift when I receive one. Don't you?

See, take me for example and then we'll get to what had me rushing back to the house to write this article int eh first place. Because most of you don't know me, I telling you this only to acquaint you with what kind of person I am and not to brag. Just so you can get an understanding, OK?

See, when it comes to giving to others, I give from the kindness and true love and concern in my heart! I don't have to know you to give unto you. If I feel compelled to give, more often than not, I will give and not just material things (because I don't always have that to give). And gifts are not limited to material items!

I for one have received the best gifts, being gifts of emotion. And I have spent much energy, words of encouragement and even tears in prayer. And int he case of material things and emotion, I have given to my own hurt. I've been known to give out of my need, depriving my self initially. In a few of those cases I have suffered but "time heals all things" and eventually I came out of top of things. Again, I say this to help you understand me, not to brag. Nothing to brag about. Kindness, compassion and giving are not new things!

STAY TUNED FOR Part 2 of "Meetta Talks"

and what had me rushing home to write to you on this Christmas Day, 2010!

MEETTA TALKS - What's in me?- Part 1 of 2

'Meetta Talks' ... is where I invite you to come on my life's journey.

I share experiences I've had and wisdom that I've learned, hoping you will take something positive from it and grow. Here, I share the thought provoking knowledge that...

"Life is about the journey just as much as it is about the destination."

Dear Reader, You know what?

There is SOOO MUCH in me! I want to share and give it...All!

I want to give it all because I know the power behind it!

I want to give it all because what I have is usable!

What I have, what's in me, if you could feel the life, the energy, the hope, the desire...

Question? Have you ever in your life, been around a person who was truly passionate about something that they were involved in? And you got the chance to be around them when they were actively doing that thing?

Do you remember how you felt being around them in those moments?

Do you remember the mood of the atmosphere?

Was it filled with power? Was it kinetic?

Did their moment seem to extend and lend itself to you?

I remember! I remember how that feels to be on the giving and receiving end of it.

When I am around people like that and when I AM LIKE THAT! I feel like I can do anything!

I am empowered! All of sudden I feel like I can fly!.. I can accomplish much! I feel like I am strong! That's what I am saying to you Dear reader, about what's in me! That's a major reason why I write like I do! I don't always write about popular things or say them the way the masses might. But what I write, I write it with might! The topics I discuss are needed! My writings have a certain purity to it.

I don't have time for games concerning that which is important to me!

So why lie? If a writer is going to write, the writings should be truth, their truth! Why not write with the passion that lies within? Anyway, the emotion, the words and the arrangements of them, along with my "figure of speech" is mine! No one else can claim true ownership over what's uniquely mine or what's uniquely yours, for that matter! But I am grateful that I can share them with you so freely, in hopes that you too may be inspired and may also believe that you too can fly! That you can fly above ignorance, obscurity, wastefulness of life, hurtful criticism, and the "I can't syndrome."

I wish I could get it all out! Tapping into that power myself AND ACTUALLY accomplish all that I so very much desire, for me! Living my life in fury, but without the destructiveness of it! But wisdom says to me, if I give you Dear Readers, my everything, then I will be left an empty vessel. So in wisdom, keeping that in mind, I won't give you my all, my everything in my writings (though my heart desires to), But I will continue to give and give in truth with conviction! You gotta know, by now that I am a great woman of passion. I want to know, learn, grow, go and give! I WANT TO LIVE ...and live out loud!

Telling all, giving all, not keeping some of me, for myself (or you for yourself), CAN BE destructive! Totally pouring out oneself, makes one quite vulnerable to being openly abused, misused and mistaken or taken lightly. So, some secrets need to be kept. But, my writings will still have intensity, in encouragement, in the teachings and information of them. You may be saying to yourself, "Why is she sharing this, here?" Because I want you to know that these writings I write, are not for not! They have purpose and meaning. What I give in my writings is thought out. I write with great passion and ...fury. In writing this particular article about what's in me, helps me keep things in perspective. I can't give you my all dear reader, but if you knew what was inside...

I LOVE TO SHARE MY LIFE'S JOURNEY!

...The things I've seen, heard, learned, am learning and hope to learn! I want to go to far way places! I think of the people I've met and dream of meeting! I think of the stories of the lives of others and how they intrigue me, teach me! I live in wonder! How amazing is life?

The life we often take for granted! The people we can love, but don't! The opportunities we have, but are too scared to seize them! I think about how much more I can do to help myself and maybe you, to live a life out loud! It doesn't have to be anything dirty, immoral or crude mind you. There is so much more through positivity, that one can do to lead a loud life! A life outside of obscurity fenced in by limitations!

What I mean by a "loud life" is living openly, doing things, going places, having adventures! Getting out of the doldrums of a planned, limited life! I want to go to IRELAND! I want to go to Vancouver. I want to go and take pictures, even with a borrowed digital camera because I don't own one nor do I own a professional camera. Heck! I'd even take photos with a disposable camera. It doesn't bother me!

When I was a kid, someone asked me at the age of seven, what it was that I wanted to grow up and be or do? I remember down to the word what my response was. I said, (without missing a beat as I danced to the Jackson Five singing ABC...). " I want to go around the world to different places, meeting and talking to people. Taking pictures of everything I see, bring them back and show people how beautiful the world really is." Of course mind you, I didn't know a name or career for such a position. At the age of seven, It just seemed quite important to me, to get out of my limited space, go elsewhere, all over Gods earth and go talk to people! Talking with them sharing in their experiences, having them share in mine! Using my life to uplift to encourage.

I want to travel and take in the sights of this great planet, reveling in it's beauty! Somehow, even as a kid, I thought this kind of connection amongst people was missing and much needed! Somehow, I thought I could be one of the person's to make a difference in this area! I even thought somehow I would be famous for it, because it seemed so precious to me! And when you are famous, more doors are open to and for you. And famous people get to see more and do more than regular people! Even kids know that! I could just see myself doing that which I spoke of, forever! People and their stories, have ALWAYS been important to me!

Needless to say ( obviously), that I never got to fulfill that dream! How good at it, I would be though!

'TALK" with ya next time in ...

MEETTA TALKS!, Sharing what's in me?

MEETTA TALKS!- A Tribute ...

Hey! It's February!

February is "Black History Month."

A National month of Recognition, (at least for most American states). Recognition for the contributions and lives of Africa's descendants here in America, a tribute!

Here is mine.

"BROWN SKINNED WOMAN"

By Meetta Martin

I'm more than just a body,

Smooth brown skin, permanent beyond a tan.

Voluptuous breasts, pear shaped hips.

I offer more than stereotypical, fantasy sex.

I AM A BROWN SKINNED WOMAN!

Rich in culture, Proud of my heritage.

I embrace our traditions.

I can and have endured many things.

Some so unfairly heaped onto me.

I have an amazing, blessed, God given strength!

I boggle the worlds' mind, time after time.

I can't be enslaved and torn down too long.

My soul is gonna find a way

to be free.

My spirit is strong and will live on!

Somehow, some way... it will!

I AM A BROWN SKINNED WOMAN!

Mother of beautiful, brown skinned children,

teaching them how to succeed and survive,

even in the face of evil.

Teaching them to learn to wear their skin color, as a badge of honor.

It is a gift, NOT A SIN...to have their color of skin!

(Don't be fooled children, people pay THOUSANDS of dollars,

and spend many hours, sometimes with great pain,

to have darker skin! Like the skin you're born in!)

...Mothers

Loving those children with great passion, but taming those children

when they are wild, some of us...many of us caring,

Brown skinned women.

The ones that don't get applauded.

Raising our children,

many of us doing the best we can, keeping house and taking care of business,

with and without a man.

I have the distinguished honor of being

A BROWN SKINNED WOMAN!

Strong,

Intelligent, independent, beautiful, Exotic

REGAL!

Vibrant, funny,complex, lovable, sincere, AND

unforgettable!

I am a formidable being to be reckoned with.

I AM A BROWN SKINNED WOMAN!

People all over the world,

for centuries, revel in...

My style, the way I wear my hair, my form of expression.

The way I move, dance, walk!

The way I pray, sing, talk!

I cook a great meal.

I'm ingenious, totally creative!

My inventions improve and change the way the world operates.

First woman millionaire, created beautiful products with which you comb your hair.

On your washer, I put the ringer there!

Without the "proper education", I was denied,

I created the schematics for the torpedo dis-charger on your submarines.

I ran the underground railroad

that helped relocate our enslaved brothers and sisters.

I wasn't the only one, one of many,

but they hunted me as if I was.

Still...I never was caught!

Even with a bounty on my head, the highest bounty for a woman,

the highest bounty even for a man, at that time!

I NEVER WAS CAUGHT!

I found my way lead by the stars in the sky!

I AM A BROWN SKINNED WOMAN!

I sang songs of code

just to be able to pray, encourage, and bond with my people

in the days of old.

I am a MAGNIFICENT Creation!

I AM A BROWN SKINNED WOMAN!

Yes! Dear Reader,

I too am an African descended woman of Color!

MY name is MEETTA JEWELLE MARTIN!

You can't tell me my place in this world is low, for I am among a people who serve a God that "sits on high". When my Great, Great Grandmother, (Lula Mae's grand mother, I don't know her name, darn!)

and mothers like her, were working long hours, getting scorched by the sun, planting that tobacco, slopping them hogs, taking care of them Masa's chillin' and picking that cotton beside their children...they held on!

That cotton...

cutting up their arms, sticking even through their long sleeves, pricking fingers,

without mercy and no profit for them. They had no freedoms, no say so. They had no one, no government to protect them. They could be beaten, traded, sold, raped, maimed and killed.

Every culture had their own problems.

Still, it happened to mine!

It happened to my grannies and my grannies before them. Yet and still...

they held on!

Fending off them European men folks, unwanted affections, protecting their daughters...they held on!

While cruelties of bondage were heaped up on them, they held on.

While lies of "their place" in life, were drilled into them, they held on.

They Held on to truth about who God said they were...

A people he was going to use to break AND change the world!

A people of unusual giftings and talents.

A people of great strength and strong spirits.

These women BELIEVED, in these freedoms and promises no matter how long!

Even while watching their men lynched and their spirit beat out of them many of those women... held on!

Believing in that freedom, like the children of Israel.

No matter how long!

Many of them believed this for the generations they couldn't even touch yet!

For many of you, for me, they held on!

With precious cargo's of brown skinned babies on their backs, while performing whip driven labor...They held on!

THEY ARE THE REASON I AM HERE! I won't let them down!

Grandmother! All my mothers before me... I would want you to know me now,

to hold me, to teach and show me, but all I have is your memory...your legacy.

I promise you, I WON'T sit quiet!

I WILL keep PRAYING!

I WILL keep following the God (the great I am) & his son, The Christ, like you did.

I WILL keep speaking my heart!

I WIll keep lifting that unique voice of mine, that came through you!

I will continue to use that voice in encouragement of others, to uplift and

not tear down, NO MATTER WHAT THEIR SKIN SHADE!

Concern and love, tears down evil.

It educates and unites us through humanity!

I know Grandmothers! I know!

I will keep moving forward.

I will keep my virtue, once regained.

A Woman of knowledge, morals, conviction, forgiveness, passion and truth, I am..like you, grandmothers!

I love in my life. When I love, I love with every fiber of my being!

Heaping compassion on those who come to me needing it...A kind word, support in a hug, food for them and their kids, if I got to spare.

Mothers before me, I won't let you down!

I would want you to know me now, to teach me, to hold me, to scold me 'cause you would do it in love, to grow me.

'Granny', I miss you!

In loving memory of ...

Mrs. Lula Mae Martin, of South Carolina * 1892-1973

AND

Mrs. Mary Ola Webb, of Michigan 1918-1988...MY grannies and their mothers.

...AND TO ALL THE BROWN SKINNED WOMEN whose contributions were mentioned in this poem and more!

LOVE YOU SOOO MUCH!!!!

THANK YOU.

Meetta

B.I.B.L.E.-Salvation is important to God-Last Pt.2

OK! B.I.B.L.E. Readers,

Thanks for continuing to tune into...

Basic Instruction Before Leaving Earth.

Here are the footnotes from the article

"SALVATION IS IMPORTANT TO GOD,

SO SHOULDN'T IT BE IMPORTANT TO YOU?",

posted this morning on February 7, 2010.

JOHN 3;16-21

FOOTNOTES

I use the Life Application Study Bible, N.I.V.

(New International version)

Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

Wheaton Illinois

VERSE 16

The entire gospel comes to a focus in this verse. God's love is not static or self-centered;

It reaches out and draws others in. Here, God sets the pattern of true love, the basis for all love relationships-when you love someone dearly, you are willing to give freely to the point of self-sacrifice. God paid dearly with the life of his son, the highest price he could pay. Jesus accepted our punishment, paid the price for our sins, and then offered us the new life that he had bought for us. When we share the gospel with others, our love must be like Jesus'--willingly giving up our own comfort and security so that others might join us in receiving God's love.

More on VERSE 16

Some people are repulsed by the idea of eternal life because their lives are miserable! But eternal life is not an extension of a person's miserable, mortal life; eternal life is God's life embodied in Christ given to all believers now as a guarantee that they will life forever. In eternal life there is no death, sickness, enemy, evil, or sin. When we don't know Christ, we make choices as thought this life is all we have! In reality, this life is just the introduction to eternity. Receive this new life by faith and begin to evaluate all that happens from an eternal perspective.

Even more on VERSE 16!

To "believe" is more than intellectual agreement that Jesus is God. It means to put our trust and confidence in him that he alone can save us. It is to put Christ in charge of our present plans and eternal destiny. Believing is both trusting his words as reliable, and relying on him for the power to change. If you have never trusted Christ, let this promise of everlasting life be yours--and BELIEVE!

VERSE 18

People often try to protect themselves from their fears by putting their faith in something they do or have: good deeds, skill or intelligence, money or possessions. But only God can save us from the one thing that we really need to fear--eternal condemnation. We believe in God by recognizing the insufficiency of our own efforts to find Salvation and by asking him to do his work in us. When Jesus talks about unbelievers, he means those who reject or ignore him completely, not those who have momentary doubts.

VERSES 19-21

Many people don't want their lives exposed to God's light because they are afraid of what will be revealed. They don't' want to be changed. Don't be surprised when these same people are threatened by our desire to obey God and do what is right, because they are afraid that the light in you may expose some of the darkness in their lives. Rather than giving in to discouragement, keep praying that they will come to see how much better it is to live in light than in darkness.

This concludes the lesson on .."

Salvation is important to God" part 1 & 2.

Keep seeking, People! Keep learning about "the things of God."

M.

FOR WOMEN ONLY!

SISTER GIRLS!

I want to share something truly special, with you.

It is a poem from my book "YOU CAN'T SAY THAT!...

POETRY TO STRENGTHEN, HEAL & ECOURAGE" published in 2002.

As women constantly strive to break the barriers down, in a world that still tries to hold us down, we need to continue to be encouraged.

We need also, be the main ones who do the encouraging, of each other.

"INSPIRATION STATION'

There are some that under estimate your strength.

Because you are a woman,

on this, they are hell bent.

Under-estimating, you they keep under-rating.

They don't know your muscles flex,

when trials of life don't keep you waiting.

You have weathered many storms.

You carry heavy burdens,

without a man to help shoulder the weight that you are under.

Sometimes, your knees weaken and bend.

Yet,

You manage somehow to still stand.

Yet, you manage somehow to still laugh and smile.

Your strength is once again, awakened.

Hold your head up!

Lift up your eyes!

You will raise your voice and sing high,

drowning out thoughts of their ignorant, weak minds.

He said, "you were weak because there is no man standing by your side.

Would you be stronger or better off with that abusive man grabbing and hurting your child?

Hold on Sister,

The time is going to come when the tide will turn in your favor,

Be strong!

Hold on Sister, the tide is going to turn.

You may stand man-less, but

you will NEVER, ever stand alone.

Hold your head up!

Lift up your eyes!

You will raise your voice and sing high,

drowning the thoughts of their ignorant, weak minds.

Hold on Sister.

the strength from your faith has come.

You have weathered many storms.

So, you know that you are never, EVER alone!

Now hold your head up!

Lift up your eyes.

You WILL raise your voice and sing high,

drowning the thoughts of their ignorant, weak minds.

Be encouraged, Sister Girls

Meetta

TeEn SPeAk-Teens and Lonlines, PART 1

Hello Young people, parents, Youth Volunteers!

Hello to all of my Readers!

Today is a GREAT DAY ISN'T IT?

You are alive!

You are breathing!

You made it through another night, intact!

Life is not all that bad when you consider that YOU...HAVE ANOTHER CHANCE to do better,

to be happy, to get some joy in your life and DO SOMETHING GREAT TO CHANGE YOUR SITUATION or make someone else's life better! The bad things didn't get the best of you!

OK! Enough already, Meetta! I know I know, Dear Reader that you may be thinking this! Unless, you are thinking, "So what's this all about, Meetta?"

I say, "that's a fair question!"

Remember that, "TEEN SPEAK", is about subject matter that directly affects teenagers and other young people. I write In this article for those from 13 to 22.

Though, in our day and age, kids tend to grow up faster for a number of reasons. The Media, family situations, peer pressures, violence committed against children, all have a tendency to strip the innocence from them way too soon. So, I am aware that pre-schoolers have experienced some things and can verbalize some very mature things as well. Still, I keep in mind the subject matters for older youth, as that group is old enough to properly verbalize experiences, thoughts and actions. They have a better understanding of consequences and the affects of certain ways of living!

So, Today's topic is ...(I'm struggling with this because there are a few topics I want to talk about immediately!) Uh...I'm just going to go for it and chooses one, knowing that in time I will be able to write about the other ones. Please know that these writings are for educational and inspirational purposes. So, to start this article off, I will say this, that

My BIGGEST THOUGHT for you all, young people, IS THAT YOU KNOW even in this great big old, sometimes lonely world, that though it may seem like it at times, please know that YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

That's right! YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

There is somebody out there of good intention, waiting to help you through any crisis! They are out there waiting to encourage you in the right direction. They don't want anything FROM YOU! These kind of people only want to get something TO YOU! These kind of people only want you to live your BEST LIFE! Knowing how to you find those people is the key! There is a a vast source of information to help you locate help! One option may be a "neighbor", someone who won't hurt you, touch you in any improper way or ask anything of you that YOU KNOW is wrong! This person is easily accessible and open to you . They "take" time talking and LISTENING TO YOU! You know something about them, they are familiar to you and you feel they are "trustworthy and helpful."

Another source may be your parents. For those who are not so fortunate, other sources may be a favorite teacher or coach, our youth volunteer in a church organization or your best friends. There are a variety of organizations that you can find on Google or in your yellow pages.

(Do people still use those?) Hmm. What about a favorite teacher, school or community center or church counselor? Anyway, still if you look for it my teenage, young People, know that you will find what you need. Descent People, is what I am talking about. EVERYBODY needs somebody, sometime! So, don't be stubborn and foolish thinking you have to handle all of life's trials all by yourself. While there are times when we ALL have to face some part of life alone, understand that we can still choose to share and let others in! We don't have to endure the WHOLE problem without some support! Eventually, someone will come along. Not all the time will they be available, but someone will come along and ask you how and if they can help! So, seize the opportunity, if you need it!

Maybe you can take their card or information down for future purposes! That's always good too! Because, sometimes you meet people for later rather than now! Remember life keeps on going and wisdom keeps on giving. So, for later, keep the counselors number, OK?

Remember if you need help, help does not always come looking for you! Often times, that person (help) is waiting for you to reach out to them! We don't always know HOW to help even if we know THAT YOU NEED HELP! So ask if you need it.

What ever the situation though, don't give up even if you ask for help and it does not immediately come. What ever you do, DON'T GIVE UP! Somebody of help will hear you! Somebody does love you and somebody does care! Sometimes, it just takes time for them to get to you. Stay strong and think wisely in the meantime. HELP for you may just we lying right inside of you! What I mean is, YOU may be the one who has to help you! Sometimes, there is not time to wait on someone else. Sometimes you have to be the one to take action on your own behalf. So, if that is the case, think wisely and hold on. Don't do anything rash. People will come because we are not meant to be alone! You are probably still going to need some help or companionship later. Sometimes when they do show up, you may just be surprised who it is that comes to your aid. It may not be who you think or want, but the support is just as sweet!

STAY STRONG YOUNG PEOPLE!

Caring about you, Ms. Meetta

TEen SPeAk-Troubled Teens, Pt. 2

TROUBLED TEENS; continued.

Concluding with tips B through E. Remember,Parents, Guardian, Concerned Adults, there is SO MUCH information out there and this is only a small portion. This is some information from a local hospital. Hope it helps to re-iterate or teach you new information. Meetta

B. WHAT YOU CAN LOOK FOR

Once you understand the feelings behind teen troubles you can watch for the danger signal. Among them:

- Hyperactivity or other behavior changes.

-Isolation, mood swings or depression.

-Discipline problems and low grades.

-Weight Loss.

-Frequent borrowing or missing money in the household.

-Drug paraphernalia.

*Some traits, such as increased independence and new interests, are natural for the age. You can develop a sensitivity to your child's individual traits. Then you can keep communication open.

C.) THE SUICIDE MYTH

Some people believe that if a person believe that if a person talks about suicide, he won't do it. THIS IS UNTRUE! You need to take suicide threats seriously.

Trouble may be brewing if your teen talks or writes about suicide or if he or she is greatly saddened by the loss of a friend, the death of a family member or the breakup of a romance. Other warning signs are:

-Sudden personality changes.

Is your teen unnecessarily or unduly angry, tearful, clinging or irrational?

-A growing fear of failure in school or elsewhere.

-Indications that he or she is giving things or making a will.

- Avoidance of friends and social activities.

- Self-abusive behavior.

- Preoccupation with death or an obsessive fear that nuclear war or some other major earthly catastrophe may be imminent.

C. WHAT TO DO

If in doubt, ask your teen if he or she is going through a crisis, or is entertaining thoughts of suicide. Your care and love are critical. Often, the teen does not see suicide as final. In a time of stress, a desperate young person may somehow see death as a temporary escape from pain, RATHER THAN the irreversible step that it is. * PEOPLE! SUICIDE, (DEATH)...is a permanent solution to a very painful, BUT temporary problem! Hang in there teens, it may take awhile, but the hurt that you feel NOW, WILL eventually GO AWAY,just keep LIVING! TRUST ME ON THIS. YOU are the victor! LOVE, Meetta

D. USE YOUR RESOURCES

Many families face teen troubles. You and your teenager can move through difficult periods more easily if you take advantage of the expert resources available. Many list 24-hour help lines in the telephone directory.

A message from Ms. Meetta to the Teens & Young people.

Take care young people!

You are valuable! Oh, so valuable.

The next generation needs to leave the world in your very capable, powerful, creative, genius hands.

YOU HAVE TO BE AROUND to cleanup the mess we made!

What would the world ever do without you and the gifts you have?

Stay Strong.

TRUE BELIEVER

A NEW YEARS PRAYER

Thank you Chaplain Portia Lockett!

I met Chaplain Lockett when I was in the hospital recently.

She came in, boldly in service to Christ! She didn't know that I was a believer. I let her speak and received what she had to offer. She gave me the following printed prayer. When she left,

I thought " go get her! Never miss a chance to share God's Love, with ANYONE, even including with HIS own! " What you have to share with them about how God has touched you life, can encourage them! No matter what their position!" God can use anybody, if we are willing! I got up out of my bed, went to the doorway and waited for her to come out of the room down the hall, so I could summon her back. It was an awesome chance to speak to her and she with ME! Praise God for his people, everywhere!

A PRAYER

"Father God, I thank you for this day and everyday you bless us with. As we embark on a New Year, I pray for peace, wisdom, knowledge and understanding. I pray that 2010 will be better than 2009. I pray that any sickness/ illness encountered in 2009 will be cast out in 2010.

And I pray that hopes and dreams will be renewed, restored and revived in 2010.

Father God, I pray that you bless the one reading this prayer. I pray that you will open the windows of heaven and pour out a mighty blessing upon their life. And the lives of their family and friends. I pray that we may become more concerned with doing YOUR will instead of always asking, begging and pleading for money and material things. Father God, I pray that YOU may show us that life is beautiful, in the little things. Lord, I pray that you may strengthen our faith in trying times and allow us to rise above mediocrity and seek to be all that you have called us to be.

Father God, I pray that you may forgive us of our bad habits and anything that was and is unpleasing to you. Father God, we are not perfect and we are seeking you because you ARE perfect in ALL YOU say and do! Please, continue to shower us with your Grace and Mercy. I pray that we will become more focused on serving you and doing what you have called us to do. Strengthen us and guide us. "Now, let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be accepted in thy sight, O Lord."

In Jesus name, Amen.

Reader, Prayer is an act of faith.

Prayer is, but conversation with God, Not a monologue!

You can pray "amiss". So be mindful of what you pray and in whose name you pray it in!

Only prayers that are in line with God's will are the ones he honors.

It would be in your best interest to know "Gods will".

To "Know God" is to know his word, what he says, therefore learning his will.

Keep learning and Believing!

TRUE BELIEVER

Hey Reader,

This posting is from a Christian Point of view. For believers in Christ, faith is serious! "True believers", unashamedly hold fast to it. To us, faith is just as important and much of a necessity as breathing! So without shame, I write often of faith and how it affects my daily life. In this post, I do write from my own experiences as well as from others. I often include Biblical Scriptures when the need arises. From time to time, I include poetry throughout not only this one, but throughout all of my columns, when the need arises.

Today's subject is of course, faith!

I've had 2 days in the hospital. I went in through the emergency room on this past Tuesday, January 5th. Doctor wasn't concrete in his thoughts as to what was wrong. Though he ruled some things out, I still came home without a diagnosis! Got home this evening. Went into my bed room, saw this song I wrote in 2002, sitting right on top of my desk. Thought I would share it with you tonight. This is my song of praise! I and the doctor don't know what is wrong with me, BUT GOD does! So in HIM, I claim HIS victory in me!

"INSPIRATION STATION"

HALLELUJAH!, THE HIGHEST PRAISE

Song By: Meetta J. Martin 08/11/2002

Sing praise to the Lord, you Saints of his,

and give thanks at the remembrance of his holy name.

Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

The highest Praise.

Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

I sing today.

I stand before thee, oh so humbly.

May I worship in all my ways.

Things may not be, all that I want them to be, but

I thank thee, anyway.

Psalm 98:1 "Oh sing to the Lord, a new song,

for he has done Marvelous things;

His right hand and His holy arm have gained HIM the victory"

"Oh sing to the Lord a new song!

Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

"For he has done marvelous things"

Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

The Highest Praise, I sing today.

Hallelujah! Lord, Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

Is the only thing, is the only thing I can say.

The joy you see, Comes from his anointing on me.

So Hallelujah I sing, to thank God for his victories.

Hallelujah, I sing

The Highest praise!

Sincerely, Meetta

B.I.B.L.E.- FAITH...Again!

FRIENDS! READERS !

After almost 80 posts, I'm starting to feel a bit closer to you!

Hope you don't mind, I call you friend. (I'm smiling)

So Friends,

This is a followup to the previous B.I.B.L.E. on faith.

I feel the need to expound on the verses of Matthew chapter 17:14-20 where Jesus is healing the crowd and sees those precious moments as a great time to further teach his disciples more about Faith. Though, I have my own thoughts about what I read in scripture as it is revealed to me, I also really like many of the footnotes in the bible.

I always tell you what version of the bible that I write out of, for your own knowledge, so you can follow along. There are many different versions of the King James Holy Bible. I have a version of that as well and I use it also. But I really like the breakdown of the N.I.V. Still, it's up to you what you use, what you can comprehend, follow and feel comfortable using!

I use a Life Application Study Bible. N.I.V. (New International Version). Remember, whatever version you use, if it written in red, then that supposedly is what was recorded as Jesus' own words.

Jesus talks about them being an "unbelieving, and perverse generation,". Technically, you could still apply that term to man kind right now, in our day and age! This world is full of NON-BELIEVING persons AND DOUBTFUL followers of Christ. He gets really frustrated with his disciple, those brethren whom HE CHOSE to follow him!

Let's get into the follow up, shall we?

Moving on.

First, I"ll write out the scripture verse for you: Matthew 17:17:

"O unbelieving and perverse generation," Jesus replied, "how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me."

MY N.I.V. Footnotes on verse 17:

'The disciples had been given the authority to do the healing, but they had not yet learned how to appropriate the power of God. Jesus' frustration is with the unbelieving and unresponsive generation. (I told you Reader, that this could easily refer to us in our time!) His disciples were merely a reflection of that attitude in this instance. Jesus' purpose was not to criticize the disciples, but to encourage them to greater faith.

More N.I.V. Footnotes on verse 17, including verses 18, 19 & 20:

The disciples had been unable to drive out this demon, and they asked Jesus why. He pointed to their lack of faith. It is the power of God, NOT OUR FAITH, that moves mountains, but faith MUST BE PRESENT to do so. The mustard seed was the smallest particle imaginable.

Even small or undeveloped faith would have been sufficient. Perhaps the disciples had tried to drive out the demon in their own ability rather than Gods'. There is great potential in even a little faith when God is with us.

If we feel weak or powerless as Christians, we should examine our faith, making sure we are trusting not in our own abilities to produce results, BUT IN GOD'S!

Lastly, N.I.V. Footnotes on verse 20:

Jesus wasn't condemning the disciples for substandard faith; He was trying to show how important faith would be in their future ministry. If you are facing a problem that seems as big and immovable as a mountain, turn your eyes from the mountain and look to Christ for more faith (Faith in God). Only then will your work for him become useful and vibrant!

Well reader, I hope I've given you sufficient data to stimulate or increase your desire, thirst and hunger for the knowledge of God.

Bye Now, Meetta