MEN, WOMEN & CHILDREN - My Son Respects ME!

Hello, Dear Readers!

Missed me?

How is your summer going? I hope it is well.

Mine has been busy and has caused for alto for adjusting.

But things are GRAND! Life is good!

I have something new to share with you all. It's about time right? I know.

THIS STATEMENT I POSTED ON FACEBOOK A DAY OR SO AGO, has actually inspired a whole lot of dialogue. I hope you get a chance to read this"

My son said, "Mom I respect U as a person & as a mother. People R as strong as their weaknesses. U operate in strength. I say this in love... truthfully, U scare the hell out of me! A little bit like I'm scared of God. He loves me & U love me... I still remember when I said something (bad) 2 U & was walking out of the apt., U pulled me back, grabbed me, hulking me & put me in a headlock until I listened." :)

That's right, a healthy fear!

A fear bred out of knowing you are loved, cared for, provided for, nurtured, listened to and forgiven. Causing one to recognize and respect authority and the law. Encouraging strength, sharing wisdom and knowledge to arm ones self with so that they may have, seek and seize better opportunities to grow, live a successful, purposed life! Building hope that the child or person may move to a high standard of living, based on morals and integrity and provide guidance to hopefully carry them through this life as safely as possible! Understanding, the fear I speak of is the kind of fear that comes out of a genuine love that comes to prosper and not to harm. A love that promises to give hope and a future. Amen?

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NEW DIALOGUE

I knew the dreaded day would come, when my sweet teenage son would want to assert himself in independence and I would have to muster the courage and stamina to rise to the occasion to make sure it didn't get out of hand with disrespect of me, my house and himself.

This included laying down and upholding the law, of voicing your thoughts and opinions, but no rudeness, back talking, hanging out in the streets with the bad crowds, making babies you are not prepared to take care of, having girls in his room AT MY HOUSE, coming home all times of night, having a know it all smart mouth, telling me what to do (like he's my Dad,) sort of thing. This is the the time in a boys life that "old school" calls, "when a boy starts to smell himself". Puberty has struck and hormones start to influence the the mouth and actions.

A single mother, without ANY STEADY, right help from a loving male... I was left to raise a boy to be a man, on my own. Like many of you! he's 20 now, but I knew the day would come when my then, teenage son would want to assert himself and end up being disrespectful. It was VERY TOUGH! I realized, I couldn't answer every question he had concerning being a male, what he would go through as his body and mind changed, why he had to pee while he stood and why I had to sit. (He asked me the when he was 4 or 5). I realized I had to come form a different angle, if I wanted to be a proactive parent to him as I was the only one he had! I had to figure things out in order to do a fairly decent job of being a mother. Believe me, it was quite a struggle as I dint' have mother I could take ALL knowledge from to help me figure out how to do that!

I realized I COULD NOT TEACH HIM how to be a man, per say, but I realized I COULD and DID TEACH HIM how to properly treat women, and other human beings, how to say NO TO DRUGS, CRIME AND PEER PRESSURE and why that is important. I could teach him that HE IS BEAUTIFUL, special in confidence, not arrogance and that he is ALREADY SOMEBODY!

I could and did teach my male child how A True GENTLEMAN

TREATS WOMEN. That such a man, does not take sex from a woman. He does not seek to dominate a woman, but to accept her for her own distinctive beauty, gifts, talents, and personality. My son KNOWS there is MUCH MORE to a woman than just her outer exterior. He's had the fortune and misfortune of watching me!

He knows not that women are not play things, The pain he may cause by dragging her self esteem, her heart, and reputation through the mud.He understands that REAL MEN do NOT beat, humiliate or destroy ANY WOMAN women or the weak for sport. He's watched certain males in the family and the continuos deep trouble they have caused by their mistreatment of their families and mates!He understands that REAL MEN, take care of those they love! Taking care of their children even if they are not living in the same home!My son understands the pain of abandonment by a parent. He had vowed not to repeat it!

My son knows from my abusive treatment as a child and youth, that brothers protect their sisters and not harm them! I've taught him that a true gentleman and mature adult male, DOES NOT brag or tell "his boys" about the intimate relationship details of his personal life with his girlfriend or wife. I've also taught him NOT TO LET females drag him down, manipulate him or abuse him in any way! I've told him how WE females can be as well!

My son and I, have spoke many times over the years, a mans place in his household and in the world. While it is true that I could not teach my son to be a man, from a man's point of view, I've done my best other wise!

At least my son understands the value of respecting human life, authority and the law. I could and did teach him how to be a decent, respectable, God fearing, intelligent, productive, loving and compassionate human being. I realized I could pass on my strength, wisdom through LIFE LESSONS lessons opening his eyes, HAVING NO USE FOR ROSE COLORED GLASSES, but to see things as they are really happening, to be knowing, vocal and courageous. I leaned to appreciate the gift of communication with my son. AND TO KEEP THE LINES OF COMMUNICATION OPEN, even when my son tells me something I really don't want to hear! See, if I value him, then I value his thoughts!

I've given my son and opened my son up to knowledge to cause him to be a responsible, person. He knows how to grocery shop (wisely), pay bills, by having him go get the money orders, and pay the landlord, send to DTE etc. He knows about saving money. He's learned how to dress appropriately and speak to people in business, to get his point across and not be cussing, using alot of slang or being belligerent! He's learned how not to let those same people mistreat him as a customer and human being. I've taught him how to apply for jobs, speak to potential employers, how to conduct himself in an interview and on the job. How to interview the potential employer! After all, employment, is both give and take!

TALK TO YA AGAIN SOON!

Meetta

MEETTA TALKS - "STRIP ME"

**To listen to the video music, take these few quick steps first.

First, Click the (play) triangle, (pause it), then click it again. This will get the sound quickly buffered. Wait for a few moments, then it will begin. When you see the red line at the bottom of the video grow dark all the way across, click the play button again and it will play without stopping until the song is completed. After that, if you want to replay, just click the replay and it will begin right away because it's already buffered.

Hey Readers,

Lately, I've been writing about finding your voice and how I found mine.

Often, I find music that echoes or strengthen what I'm saying in my writings as I am moved to post them on my blog. I do this also to entertain you while you read, as well as give you further insight into who I am. In fact all of the music on this site is intended to do that. That's why its such a variety of music. It's funny. As much as my writings cause me to come to life, if you will, so does the music I choose also. When I find a song that is fitting, I'll play them over an over again while I'm typing. It keeps my juices flowing and ideas come to me that way too. It's a real show I tell you.

You should see me, I type to the rhythm! Though not yet an accomplished musician, I use my key pad as my piano. My fingers move very swiftly and to time! The computer keypad is my instrument of choice. Unlike a singer, who uses music and a microphone to get heard, the computer and it's components are apart of what I use to get mine heard. And while the music plays as I am inspired, I move my arms and bounce in my seat. Sometimes, I just go ahead, get up and cut loose, dancing until it's out of me. You should see it Reader! You laugh, but I can really move! (Ha, Ha) Anyway, I tell you what I go through while typing to paint a picture that you can see. I am a very passionate person in what I believe and in what adds life to me. I do so hope that you are as inspired as much as I am, by some of what you read and hear on this site. That's all I have to say really except, Find your voice!

AND DON'T LET ANYONE TAKE IT FROM YOU! Thanks for listening.

"STRIP ME"

Song co-written and performed By Natasha Bedingfield.

From the Movie "Morning Glory" soundtrack

*(Some of my favorite verses, that are closest to me form this song.)

"Every day I fight for my all future somethings.

A thousand little wars I have to choose between....

......

....And if you strip me, strip it all away, what will you find... I'll be alright.

Take what you want....

build me up or cut me down to size,

...Shut me out, but I'll just scream!

"I'm only one voice in a million,

BUT YOU AIN'T TAKING THAT FROM ME!"

You ain't taking that from me. You ain't taking that from me!

"I don't need a microphone to say what I been thinking.

My heart is like a loud speaker that's always on 11

and if you strip me...

strip it all away...I'm still the same...

....

...at the end of the say, it's what you do and say

that makes you who you are....Think about it....

Sometimes all it takes is 1 voice

TAKE WHAT YOU WANT... steal my pride..."

...

but I'll just scream!

I'm only 1 voice in a million!

BUT YOU AIN'T TAKING THAT FROM ME!

No, you ain't taking that from me!

MY LIFE - IT'S OFFICIAL

HEY READERS!

GREAT NEWS!

IT'S OFFICIAL!

In the midst of searching for more lucrative employment, I've also made other necessary decisions to help get me where I'm trying to go in life. See, I am that home/property owner, I am a person who is truly financially independent. I can afford to live wherever I want and not be limited to finances. I will be able to take vacations whenever and wherever I want. I will be able to truly live my life! I am that philanthropist. I am a wise person to leave an inheritance to my children's', children! So, in light of all, I want for myself and my family, I've taken bold steps. Although there are other ways to accomplish such things, the step I am announcing is one for me, that I find absolutely necessary!

So, at age 43, no longer am I a college dropout as I have dropped myself back in! The University I dropped out of informed me that I was eligible to return there, but I chose not to. Meaning, that being out of school for nearly 22 years, I thought it much more wiser for me to attend a Community college to get my bearings. In that choice, I also chose a college that has one of the top ten Culinary programs in the state of Michigan! I am a pastry Chef!

I have applied. And as of this morning, I know what classes I need to take to accomplish my culinary goals. I am registering for classes later this month. Finally! I KNOW!!! (For those that are closest to me and know me).I applied last week and went this morning to take further steps including taking my placement test. It is said that, if you want your life to be better and different, then maybe you need to do something different to help it get better!

I am that Culinary, Bakery Pastry Artist. I am that business owner. I am that teacher and Communications Arts Specialist.

I am, I am, I AM!

There is a greater purpose for me to accomplish these things. Though we limit ourselves to titles, God has purpose for the training, the knowledge, the positions we have and will gain! There is a great purpose for even the creative gifts he gives! It is the opportunities that come out of what we achieve, through the training, the knowledge and the positions that allow us to do things that otherwise we wouldn't be able to do!

How can we give something we don't have?

How can we be teachers if we haven't learned anything ourselves? ow can we be givers, helping the poor and needy, (as is many of our hearts to do) providing them with personal vehicles, houses, food, providing jobs and educational financial assistance if we have no money, no connections and no power to accomplish such things?

We have to do something to get in line with what's in us to accomplish. It's all for a greater purpose what we can achieve. That is, if many of us can just to get beyond ourselves, get out of the failure, "I can't" and poverty mentality that many of us suffer from! We all have the potential to accomplish the visions that come from within! But know this, it is our personal responsibility to grow in them. The actions that we take to prepare and grow in them is part of our life's journey to aid us in walking in our purpose and fulfilling our destinies. Know that no one can live your life for you. So don't let anyone tell you what you cannot do! FAIR WARNING!...There are people who are put in our path that are there to challenge us, to test us, to sharpen us and in many cases to try and stop us.

Many of them will say and or do negative things trying to convince you and others about you, what you cannot achieve! Before you give into them, NO MATTER WHO THEY ARE AND WHAT THEY PROCLAIM consider the source, their motives, the fruit of their lives, their accomplishments or lack thereof. Consider the way the person lives. Are they happy? Principled people? Respected? Up-Standing, productive members of Society? Do you have a peace about them? Understand, many times the people who are bashing our dreams and hopes are those who have none of their own or are suffering from something themselves! Many of them have control issues, inferiority even superiority complexes, regrets, crippling fears, jealousy, self-esteem issues and other weaknesses that prevent them from being joyful even about what you are trying to achieve! A good question is Why wouldn't someone believe for or want for someone else to be happy and productive? Without understanding that people have all kinds of issues, it otherwise doesn't make much sense! And it doesn't matter if it is your Mother, Daddy, Grandparents, your brothers, your boyfriend, spouse, sister, your child, teacher, neighbor or your best friend! Understand that "Misery loves company". It can't help itself!

But also understand that Joy, loves company too! Along with that, success and encouragement need to be shared also!

Now that you understand me a bit better, I will declare publicly, yet again, that I am all those positive things I previously mentioned at the beginning of this article. And much will come out of it. Now, by going back to college, I will have the papers and documented training to back it up and help me get in the right position for the opportunities that await me. For "God opens doors that no man can shut and he shuts doors that no man can open". What God has for me, is for me! And the same goes for you too! What God had for you, is for you! Another line of encouragement if I may. "Preparation is not lost", is a saying that my dear friend Jean, often encourages me with.

Stop stressing on what's going on around you! Take comfort in the fact that God is not limited by the economy, politics, your personal circumstances, world affairs, Humans, nothing! God is not limited by your mother, brother, spouse, boyfriend, child, your best friend, you, me or anybody else for that matter! It is us who are limited. It is because we limit ourselves, hinder others and allow others to hinder us. Nothing and no one has power over God! Regardless of what's going on in and around us, God is still God! Even satan can only go against God, but so far, in creating chaos. Read in the book of

Job 1: 6-12 (chapter 1, verses 6-12) in the Holy Bible and you will see where God and satan were having a conversation and God asked him, "Where have you come from? " Satan answered the Lord, "From roaming through the earth and going back and forth in it." Then the Lord said to satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him: he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil."

"Does Job fear God for nothing?" Satan replied. "Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. But stretch out your hand and strike everything he has and he will surely curse your face." The Lord said to satan, "Very well, then, everything he has in in your hands, but on the man himself do not lay a finger." Then satan went out from the presence of the Lord.

So don't let it matter what others think about what you are trying to achieve, don't let them hinder you. Just make sure what you are trying achieve is right actions and will bring about good things! Remember that this is your life and you have only the one to live. Make it be a life worth living. A Poet wrote; "God qualifies! God qualifies! Where man limits you, God qualifies!". And Readers, if you are doing what is meant for you to do, based on your divine purpose, gifts and talents, you will not fail. If you prepare yourself, make the effort, stay focused and don't lose faith, especially if you are one who is seeking God's guidance for your life, you will succeed!

"I can do everything through him, who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13

"Can we really do everything?

Here is a take on what this passage is saying. "The power we receive in union with Christ is sufficient to do his will and to face the challenges that arise from our commitment to doing it. He does not grant us superhuman ability to accomplish anything we can imagine without regard to his interests. As we contend for the faith we will face troubles, pressures and trials. As they come, ask Christ to strengthen you." Scripture & Footnotes from Life Application Study Bible, New International Version;

Tyndale House Publishers, Wheaton, Illinois

Be encouraged people!

Be encouraged.

Meetta

MY LIFE ~ THE PLAGUE OF MY MISTAKES

Inspiration Station, Poetry

The Plague of My Mistakes

By Meetta J. Martin

meettamartin©2011

Reality of failures and wrong choices of things I cannot change.

Mistakes that chase me even now, overs years end...attack me like a plague.

The benefits of right choices that deserved to be made in the moment, have long left and died. The tragedy of that death, OH! The pain of the scars left behind.

New skin wants to break through and cover over where the wounds had cut SO deep.

But bleeding still, so they cannot mend.

Words and images created by the plague of my mistakes.

How will I know when will it all end?

How do I make them go away?

Is there no medicine for me?

Living the reality of failures and wrong choices made....

it's hard to climb out of bed some times.

Hard to GO TO BED at other times, haunted by the plague of my mistakes.

(Don't stay up late or get up early worrying", so the lover of my soul had written.)

Still, on those mornings when all of it...slumber, sleepless nights, doubt, bad dreams, all come together to form the heaviness of my body, holding it still by the cement of my regrets...a warriors spirit is put to the test.

And in those moments, I whisper to myself on the inside and speaking louder on the outside often, in the times when I'm having trouble listening to even my own words of wisdom.

I tell myself "Get up. Just Get moving."

Get up,. Get moving! Daylight has come. A new day has awaken. Night is no longer here.

The memories of those things that invade your dreams from years past, will fall away.

They are not true for you now!

Get up! Today is a new day!

Those things that haunt you still, the plague of your mistakes,

they live in another time in your years past.

You can't and you don't have to keep carrying those things around.

So GET UP! JUST GET MOVING! DON'T TRY TO FIGURE IT ALL OUT NOW.

Just start by putting one foot onto the floor.

Throw those covers back...now sit up...lean forward, now RISE and get moving!

Don't look back. just keep moving forward!

Daylight has come. A new day has awaken. Night is no longer here.

Though my mind struggles with this, my spirit knows that I don't have to be a prisoner of the reality of my failures and wrong choices made.

But a pronounced student of life, practitioner of wisdom who was given a warriors spirit that dares me to live on. The spirit, encompassing all together...the body, mind and soul knows better than just one on it's own that "those whom 'HE ' has set free is free indeed".

*Dear Readers,

"For the benefits of sanity and self-preservation, for the strength, purpose and vision to move forward...Un-forgiveness of ones self and rendering unto fear... must all be fought against and won." (Meetta J. Martin)

"Clarity comes... often when we are not trying so hard." (Meetta J. Martin)

MEETTA TALKS ~ MY BLOG MUSIC

Readers, Hello!

Some of you may wonder about the music on my blog.

We all have our preferences.

PLEASE DON'T BE OFFENDED BY MY CHOICE OF MUSIC.

I PICK IT CAREFULLY!

I find songs that exemplify my thoughts, my desires, my faith, passions, my hopes, strengths, celebrations of life and my pains.

For example;

Songs like... "Super Girl" ...

speaks of my hopes, dreams, aspirations and personal high level of responsibility.

It also speaks of my concern of my station in life as a single woman.

"Stronger" speaks of the many difficult challenges and obstacles I've had to endure and effectively conquer, in my life. Conquering, or just surviving troubles with my son by my side accompanied and Blessed by the Grace, Mercy and Love of the Spirit of God. Surviving even when some people said we wouldn't make it!

"Irene" by Toby Mac...

Speaks to my struggles as a woman raising a child with very little help.

Those struggles were a HUGE part of my coming to Christ, searching for answers and strength.

"IRENE" ~ Some of the lyrics

"HUSH LITTLE BABY, DON'T YOU CRY...

....The Lord's gonna answer your prayers tonight....

....

...You had to drop out to raise your little child.

(Doesn't seem to be anybody around).

You got to reach up to touch rock bottom.

The powers that be keep you downtrodden.

Daughter of Zion,

I heard your prayers

Just cast your cares and please beware of snakes...

they come in all shapes and sizes

...TEMPT YOU

Don't waste your sorrows, they'll give you strength tomorrow...your calvary's about to come so

Keep your head up, Don't you let up

this storm will pass you, be ready for the next one.

I said, hey little girl with the pressures of the world on you shoulders

Don't say that it's over!

I hear your prayers,

just cast your cares and I'll be there so don't you fear.

Hey little girl with the world on your shoulders

Don't say that it;s over!....

Hush little baby...

The Lords gonna answer your prayers tonight.

Irene, I carried you when you was too weak to walk.
I took to you when you gave your heart to God.
Faithful and true, that's what I'll always be to you Believe in you,

believe in Me and these mountains have to move!
You have dreams and aspirations
I knew you before creation
Your foundation's solid
I will give you a palace, restore your soul
You'll be up for any challenge
Many storms are on the way BETTER SHARPEN YOUR FAITH
Count the cost, take up your cross
And wear it every day
Rest in Me and I will give you strength
Blessed is she, Irene who seeks my face

Hey little girl with the pressures of the world on your shoulders

Don't say that it's over

I heard your prayers just cast your prayers,

so, dont you fear....

..........

Everything's gonna be alright, Everything's gonna be alright...

....Be alright...

Father I am stronger, I say

Father I am stronger I say than when I first beleived yeah!

Father I'm stronger, I say

FAther I'm stronger I say then when I first believed..."

Finally, the song "Testimony"...

is a song of celebration and thankfulness to the Lord that "trouble don't last always".

The singer sings, "It's alright, it's OK, he wiped all my tears away.

It's alright, it's OK trouble don't last always.

HE cared for me when nobody else did. HE wiped all my tears away,

Away..away..awayyyy."

I know you get the picture reader.

The music is designed to give you more insight into who I am and insight to my writings.

The music is not only on my blog to entertain you as you read, but to enlighten you.

Periodically, I do change the music to keep it fresh and moving forward right along with

the articles I write.

To end, I'll say "Thanks for coming along with me on my journey.

I do hope you enjoy the music."

Meetta

MY LIFE!- MY Birthday IS TODAY!

Yep! This is "My life!"

The column where I write directly about personal experiences from which you can draw from. Some things I share are funny. Some are sad or complicated and yet others are just simply what they are! But they are all worth sharing. So with that said, Welcome to December 29Th.

IT'S MY 43rd BIRTHDAY!

And unfortunately, unwanted things happened and Birthday celebration plans have been terminated. It seems I'll be sharing it quietly with my son. But I want to THANK ALL OF YOU who have already posted your hopes and words of celebration for me on this day. Your words of kindness and warm sentiment was something nice to look forward to on this day and so early yet!

Thank you all again!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

Kate M. ~ Michigan: Happy Birthday!

Kimberly B.:~Michigan: Happy Birthday Meetta!!!!

Vikki W. ~ Michigan: Happy Birthday Meeta, and may you be Blessed with MANY more!!

Maggie~Michigan: Happy Birthday!!

Kelly~ Michigan: Have a blessed day Meetta!

Meetta Martin ~ Thanks Kelly. It already is (blessed)! Sometimes it takes a lack of something to remind me. Birthday plans or not. Money or not. Lots of people bursting down my door to spend this day with me OR NOT! Still, "This is the day that the Lord has made. I shall be glad and rejoice in it." I'm living and so it is STILL TIME for EVERY and ANY GOOD THING to happen to me yet on this day or any other day I may be given! I'm trying very hard to encourage myself

Sarah~ California: Happy Birthday Enjoy!

Derrick A.: ~Michigan; Happy birthday Meetta! Enjoy your day.

Felicia R. ~ Atlanta; Meetta, Happy Birthday!!!

Visa G. ~ Michigan; Happy Birthday Meetta.... Have a FABULOUS day!!!
Lesley S.~ Michigan: Happy Birthday Meetta!
Richard H.~ Michigan: Happy birthday Meetta! Enjoy your day! God bless u always!
Rizle A.~ Sri Lanka; Happy Happy Birthday my friend.....................

Henriëtte B.: Happy birthday! Have a great day....

Ken G.~ Michigan: Happy happy birthday!!

Tiffany T.~ Michigan: You made it another year. God is good! May you continue to see many more! Happy b. day!

Vyna L.:Happy Birthday Meetta. I Wish u all the best, God bless~