Happy New Year everyone! May your dreams and endeavors come true in 2012 – may you be prosperous and may Father God find favor on you.  It is a time of New Beginnings!

But first, I want to thank you all for your prayers last year as my family and I went through a difficult time in our life.  We almost lost our daughter Diamond due to illness. God answered our prayers – she is doing better!

2011 was tough for many of us with financial setbacks, health problems, and other personal issues.  But remember, God is always with us – no matter what.  In fact, He opened my eyes to a New Beginning of real success!

So I have decided not to make a New Year resolution.  Many of us make them yet never keep them.  And yes, I am guilty!  So I won’t make a resolution for 2012.

Instead, I will continue with what God has blessed me with as he prepared me for the New Year!  God showed me that He has great plans for Latin Fusion Tv by opening wonderful opportunities.

So If you ask what I want to do and how I plan to do it, my answer is this: “I don’t have the answer, but I will “Trust in God and Walk by Faith! I will pray for patience, faith and support!”  I must open my heart and soul and listen when being assured and told the truth.

I have to realize that no matter what I think or feel I should not fear or be insecure. I helped create Tejano Classic TV, then gave it a new name and created Latin Fusion TV – but I did not make it happen on my own.  I had help.  God helped me create and build my dreams.

But, you see, we sometimes let the enemy take over.  He sneaks up on us when we are weak. I know because it happened to me in 2011.  It was not a good year for me.  And as the fears got deeper, I became weaker and allowed doubt to enter my life.

I felt lost like I was going in many different directions with no direction for myself or my show.  The reason is it is sometimes hard for me to trust.  You may understand.  You give your time, share it with a kind heart and when you least expect it – a bomb hits.

My fear is that I would give it my all, make it happen and somewhere down the road - along with everything else that I love and care about – it would vanish.

I have been told many times that that’s life and that we must keep going, but it is still enough to scare anyone as it scared me. But I have to remember Psalms 118:6 “The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”

I have realized that I can be my own worst enemy when I think crazy thoughts.  I have to remember that I am just me – I am a person who can make a difference IF I Trust God and not my own thoughts.

2012 will be different and with the “Eye of the Tiger,” I plan to shine and work hard for our business. I hope you do the same – no one can take that away.

I promise not to take things, or people, for granted.  I will set goals, make them happen and make a difference!  I will not doubt! I will make it “my priority!”

I support you in your endeavors and ask that you please continue to support me.  I hope you learn from my mistakes and never give up on God’s blessings to you.

Remember to hold on to each other and never let go.  Continue to smile even if it’s hard, it’s still there.  The enemy will try to discourage you – but don’t give up.  Do not doubt!

Finally, Thank You Michael Arellano and Independent Functions.  You have taught me that “You can get what you want IF you help others get what they need!”  “The Power of  IF” says that IF you believe – it can be!  “IF” is a big reason that LFTV is where it is today.  I appreciate your support and confidence.

I may not have all the answers, or the logistics, but I will know when God puts them in my sight.  LFTV will succeed as we are looking at the bigger picture.  God has put that in my heart!  What has he put in your heart?

So I say again: Happy New Year!  Make a resolution to follow your heart!

May God Bless you and remember to “Walk by Faith and Not by Sight!” – Brandy

Find us on Facebook and LatinFusionTv.com

My this year be a prosperous year for you and all your endeavors and your Dreams.

This year I have decided not to make a New Years resolution, but to actually move forward with what God has Blessed me with.

I want to thank each and everyone of you for all your prayers this last year as my family and I went through the most difficult time in our life, when we almost lost our Daughter Diamond during Thanksgiving.  If you do not know about this – she was on 100% life support and not expected to make it through Thanksgiving!

When asked who would make the final decision – if need be – I knew in my heart that it would not be me – it would be Jesus Christ.

As I stepped outside of the ER that evening to pray, I saw the the Twinkle in the Sky that brought back a beautiful sweet memory of my Princess Diamond when she was two years old.  She and I would sing” Twinkle Twinkle Little Star!”   Her favorite phrase was “Like a Diamond in The Sky” and she would say I am looking at you!

It was at that moment that God was saying: “I am looking over her as I am healing her back to life!”

Today, I am happy to say that after three weeks in the hospital and on Life support, our daughter is walking, talking and eating like you wouldn’t believe – and we love it!

But, we have to extend our Thanks to all of you for all your support and Love.

We should never take those that we love for Granted or say something that we may never be able to take back – especially if  God chooses to take them from us at any given moment!  When you invite someone into your own life treat them like they matter, like they are family!  That is one thing that I was raised and taught and I plan to have my children do the same. We may not always be perfect in each others eyes , but we definitely are in Gods eyes.

We have been Blessed with three beautiful children that are all grown up today, but to dad and myself they will always be our babies.

They each have a twinkle in the Sky that is as bright as a star and shines like a Diamond.

When you look at your loved ones Imagine that and give thanks to Jesus Christ for all the Blessings he has given you when it comes to Family and Friends.

This New Year I have no new years resolution as for many years everyone seems to make them yet there are those of us who never keep them, yes I am guilty!

The Blessings that God has given me this past year as he prepared me for the New Year!  I promise not to take for Granted  but to make it a priority, “my Priority!”.

I will reach for that Twinkle in The Sky, set my Goals and make them reality.  If you ask what is it that you want to do and how do you plan to do it, my answer is this: “I don’t have that answer, therefore I will not answer, but I can only trust in God and Walk with Faith! If you believe in me like you say you do then I pray for your patience, your faith and your support!”

This I can say: God has answered great prayers this  past year and one was healing my daughter and He has opened my vision to a New Beginning of real success!

I am sure 2011 was a tough year for a lot of us,  some of us had to deal with financial set backs, Health problems, and I am sure other personal issues.

This I will say why not join forces and make a real difference in our lives and set goals and make them happen.

We sometimes let the enemy take over and he will try and sneak up on those of us that are weak. I know because it has happen to me 2011 was not a  very year good for myself  The fears just got deeper and I became weak that I allowed it to happen.

God has let me know as the year almost ended that he has great plans for us by opening wonderful opportunities.

I am very happy and proud to say that Michael was blessed with an opportunity and he made it happen.

I received an email from a person out of state and is now a client and is blogging on our website  Blog, so with that said I have come to realize that no matter what I think or feel I should not Fear or be insecure I have to open my heart and soul and listen when I am being assured and  told the truth.

I have felt so lost and felt like I was going in different directions with me creating no direction for myself or my show.

My fear was that I would give it all I have and really make it happen and some where down the road  along with everything else that I love and care about would vanish.

I may have been my own enemy thinking these crazy thoughts, but today in time it is some times hard for me to trust, others may not understand but I have given in my time and shared with a kind heart and when not expecting it a bomb would hit, I know I have been told many times that life and we have to keep going. But  that alone would be enough to scare anyone as it has scared me.

Yet 2012 will be different I want to share with you that Latin Fusion TV will succeed and it may not just be just Latin Fusion TV but I will be looking at an even Greater picture I may not have all the answers or the logistics but I know that they are there where God has put them in my sight.

I support you with all your Goals and Endeavors for the New Year  and ask that you please continue to support me.

I may have created  Tejano Classic TV and gave it a new name LFTV but I did not make it happen on my own.

After going thru so many obstacles I have to  say thank You  to Independent Functions who is the strong power and mind behind  LFTV and it’s website are today.

That is the power of  “If” as it’s slogan says I can’t get what I want unless I help others get what they need.

This is proven to be very true and I am very grateful although I may not show it I know what my Heart feels.

Thank You Michael Arellano for your real believes in what a dream or  goal can really become reality.

You are that Twinkle in the Sky!

I am sorry for my actions and for saying I am just me.

I am not just me I am a person, who can make a difference if I just let thinks be..

I hope that those of you reading my article will learn by may mistakes and never give up  on what God has blessed you with.

2012 will bring out the the Eye of the Tiger that will add that twinkle in my eyes and if I plan to shine and work hard  for our business I hope you do the same.

Nothing or no one can ever take that away.

Happy New Year my dear friends and remember to hold on to each other and never let go that is just what the enemy wants as I have heard this many times.

Continue to smile like you have always done even if there was a time you felt it was gone, it has always been there, the enemy just tried to take control and today I found my smile again.

May God Bless You and continue to Walk by Faith and Not by Sight!

Brandy Lopez

Most people are already using a cloud company service without even realizing it every time they access pictures or music that they have saved on a remote server. There are many companies that are being started to provide this service, but there are also many well-known companies like Google, Amazon and Apple that are branching out to offer cloud services to businesses and individuals alike. There are many benefits of using cloud computing and a few drawbacks that must be considered.

The flexibility and cost savings are usually considered the largest advantages of utilizing the cloud. By storing applications and data remotely, people are able to access them from any location. Data storage and server costs can also be significantly reduced. Paying a monthly fee is a much smaller cost than purchasing and maintaining the storage drives that even a small business would need. Many business owners also use the cloud as part of their disaster recovery plan. By having all data and computer programs stored in the cloud, it is safe from any disasters like floods or fire at the physical business site.

The number one concern about using this type of computing is the safety of the data being stored. Many people are rightly concerned about making sure that their information is safe from any hackers or other computer criminals. Fortunately, most services have numerous data safeguards in place to prevent any unauthorized access. When looking for a cloud service, one should inquire and understand the precautions that are taken to protect their information.

I am writing in lieu of Brandy because she has spent the last couple of weeks at University Hospital. Her daughter Diamond is in ICU. She is currently on life support, breathing with the help of a ventilator. Brandy and her family ask for your prayers.

Brandy and her family want to thank you all for your visits, support and prayers.  It is working! Diamond is healing! Most of all – we thank Father God for the healing he has given Diamond and for complete healing and restoration. Thank you Father God for all of your blessings!

This leads me to this month’s topic: Walking by Faith!  Sometimes it is difficult to walk by faith, mostly because we are asked to believe in something we cannot see. But this is not difficult – think electricity and the light switch. You hit the switch and the light turns on.  If you paid the bill, that is.

But with God, You don’t have to pay the bill. If you believe – then you know the bill was paid by Jesus on the cross.  You just have to believe that “All things are possible for those who believe in the Lord!”

Last month we wrote about Finishing Well.  With difficult circumstances – it is a challenge.  But let me say that we all face trials and the only way to finish well is to Walk by Faith.

I once read that: Crisis doesn’t build character, it reveals it!  I know this to be true because I have seen meltdowns and inappropriate reactions in crisis situations.  I am guilty of it and it never made me feel good about myself after the fact.  But having learned this about crisis and self, walking by faith – knowing that God has a plan for everything – gives less reason to worry and more reason to believe the outcome will be fine in the long run.

It is important to realize that outcomes take time, that we do not live in the same world as television series or movies where all of the world’s problems are solved in 3 hours or less.  We must pray, be patient and grateful of the results that God’s will provides.  We must be grateful in all circumstances, through the trials and the triumphs.

I was taught a way to do this – a way to build Faith.  Allow me to present a small story to help you Walk by Faith.  Some of you may have already heard it, but it is good and practical.

A man recently got a job with a wealthy, independent, business owner and was invited to dinner, with his wife, by his new employer.

After parking, and while walking to the restaurant, the husband and wife were strolling a little behind the gentleman.  As they walked, the gentleman, while ahead them, was looking down, stopped for a moment, then stooped to pick up a penny, looked at it for a moment then placed it in his pocket.

He continued walking and they all went to dinner.  During dinner, the wife was curious and asked why he picked up the penny, if it had any significance.

He pulled the penny from his pocket, gave it to the wife and said: “On the penny are four significant words, ‘In God We Trust! Whenever I have an important decision or have something bothering me, I often find a penny, pick it up and say to myself “Ok God, I Trust You!” I then continue with my day, knowing that God is with me and I can trust in the results.”

Since hearing this story, in difficult times, I often find a penny, reminding me to trust God!

This will begin happening in your life, and God will remind you to Trust Him with the pennies that you find.  You will find He is ever-present and faithful to your needs.  So as you Walk by Faith and not by sight, your faith will grow – one penny at a time!

With that, we hope to see you December 9 at Una Noche con Las Estrellas, Latin Fusion Tv’s “Night with the Stars,” collecting toys and gifts for Families in Need and “Fun”-raising for local charities and organizations.  Tickets are $10 and include a great time. Check out our poster on www.LatinFusionTV.com or find us on Facebook: Una Noche con Las Estrellas.  Or you can always call me at 210-771-7137.

With that – Brandy and I wish you a very Merry Christmas and pray you have a Safe and happy 2012!  And again, thank you for your prayers!

Take Care, God Bless and Cool Runnings!  Michael Arellano

If you are not from the states, you may not celebrate Thanksgiving, as it is a National Holiday for us in the US, as we celebrate the beginning of a new nation and our national pride.  It was a time of new beginnings for our country, even before it was a country! Which brings me to my point!

Right now, Brandy is undergoing a tough time! Her daughter is in intensive care, or ICU, and on Life Support!  Two days ago she was on the brink of death – today she is breathing at 60%.

What a difference a day makes.  It reminds me to be grateful in all things, both big and small. And in order to do that – I must realize that thanksgiving is more an attitude than just a day.  And while many are waiting for the day after, Black Friday, they are forgetting the reason why we celebrate Thanksgiving in the first place.

That being said, I will spend time with my family, knowing I cannot afford the deals that Black Friday will bring, but I am thankful that we are not suffering through another loss in our life! I am grateful that my brother is here in town, my family will get together, as will Brandy’s (even if it is in the hospital). We will gather and pray for those things that matter! Because we have learned that Thanksgiving is an attitude – not just a day! And there is much to be thankful for!

Thanks for reading, thanks for watching and most of all Thanks for the Prayers!  May God Bless, heal and protect our beloved Diamond Monique!

Have a blessed day and a Happy Thanksgiving!

We love you all!

Michael Arellano

Last month we wrote about Running the Race, not giving up and understanding that things happen for a reason.  How people and circumstances, like the seasons of the year, come and go and it is all in God’s time!  Therefore, we must have faith and be committed to do what is right.

It means we must commit to Finish Well!

When we discuss finishing well, we are not talking about winning the race, but about finishing strong – doing the best you can and making sure that you commit to finish – and do what is right, good and helpful.

Finishing well is important because life is a journey! It can be a long and tough road.  People remember us more for what we do rather than for who we are.  This can be hard but you can finish well.  The chapter of your life is still being written.  Write it well!

It’s the same for us, it is the same with business, things might be tough – but do not give up. And if things are going well, then be generous, help out, give back.

It is the Holidays and there will be a lot of activities going on.  It should be a reminder of how grateful we should be, and how much we can help those less fortunate than us.  How we can make a difference.

It is easy to look at how little we may have or what we are missing in our life, but let’s not. Let’s finish the year well by helping others.  The best way is to volunteer and donate.  You can help us!

On Friday, December 9^th, I will host my 6th Annual Star Gala, or “Una Noche con Las Estrellas,” at the Fountain Bleu Banquet Hall.  The event will be from 7 to midnight.  But this is not an ordinary gala, we have partnered with our dear friend, Rocky “Shuffle” Hernandez, of the award winning OBG Band and we will have a dance and special guests.  We will collect toys to be delivered over the holidays and we will bring in local celebrities and stars to party with us.

We will collect toys for Rocky’s Kids and Brandy’s Toy Box.  Toys will be delivered to Bexar County Sheriff, Christus Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital, Santa’s Cruisers and other organizations.  Many will be volunteering their time and resources and we will be doing a good thing for Families in Need.   I invite you to join us.

We are working with Janie’s Records Shop, Del Bravo Records, and other locations to collect gifts for the children.  On Facebook, go to the Latin Fusion Tv group page and Una Noche con Las Estrellas Event page for the latest information and updates on the Gala and where to donate.

Check out the ad here in Street Talk magazine.  Hey, maybe we can talk Jaime to join us and you can meet our wonderful editor and publisher.

This month is Veteran’s Day – We salute all of our veterans and support our troops!

On Friday, November 11, the JW Marriott is hosting a big Veterans Day bash.  Also, they are honoring teachers, firefighters, police officers and government employees with a discounted room rate – check out our website for details.

On Saturday, November 12 is the United States Military Veterans Parade, it is one of the largest veteran’s day parades in the United States.  Remember, Freedom isn’t Free and this is just one way we can honor our veterans – We hope to see you there.

Finally, for information regarding the SouthTown Lions, the events we support and the work we do check out our website: www.SouthtownLions.org.  As for latin Fusion Tv, we have lots of upcoming events, so please visit our website: www.LatinFusionTv.com.

The end of the year is near, so let’s remember to walk by faith and not by sight, love each other and commit to Finish Well! Hope to see you at our Gala!  God Bless – Brandy

This is Gods way of telling me that I have the ability to continue my race and pursue my goals and it won’t be long before I reach the stars. I must have faith, however, to believe in my dreams.

God gives each of us gifts and blesses us with the ability to fulfill our Journey in life – but if we fall asleep at the wheel, we will never be able to foresee what could have been.  We may never know how valuable our ability is and how it can make a difference in our lives and the lives of others.  We may never know our Dream-Ability!

If you feel that you have lost your ability – stop feeling that way and look at the positive side – you can never lose your Dream-Ability – no matter what! Oh, we may lose some abilities, but we are still capable of fulfilling the gifts that God has given us.

It is up to us to strengthen our abilities.  But in order to do this, we must be accountable for our actions and do what is in front of us. We need to finish projects and accomplish goals. Take each day in stride and use your ability to fulfill your dreams and goals.

We must develop commitment, trust and integrity, and this gives us the ability to command positive results. We must identify our own individual creativity and develop spiritual care and compassion to enhance and build relationships.

Learn to accept advice and criticism and do not take things personally.  Although, and I know, it is difficult. When I am met with a challenging situation, I tell myself it is the enemy not wanting me to succeed or use God’s gifts.  Then I turn my focus on how far I have come and the support I have received and I am rejuvenated. Sometimes, I have to do this daily.

We must not let anything block our faith or steal our dreams.  We must stay excited even when the road gets rocky. And we must remember to thank those that stand by us and want us to succeed, because you will find there aren’t many people who will support us no matter what.

When we start off strong we must maintain the same mentality, no matter whom or what tries to bring us down. However, the key is to “Walk by Faith” and finish stronger!

If you have a dream in your heart like I do – do not give up! If you stumble and fall – do not let go of the wheel. Continue on your road to success, in spite of the roadblocks you encounter.

You have the God-given ability to do it. There are times when you want to walk away, but look around and see what God has done for you and who he has brought into your life.  Some may lie, cheat and steal, but God sees all this and our job is to keep working faithfully.

Before I close, I want to share something very important – when fearful, lost and/or depressed – ask God for courage, direction and healing.  Do not hold in your tears, let them flow. You are beautiful and have the ability to be strong, courageous and faithful – You have Dream-Ability!

I pray this was helpful to you and remember: “to keep the faith you must walk by faith and not by sight!” Have a safe, fun summer and keep your children close to you. – Brandy Lopez

LFTV and IFNotes – by Michael Arellano

LFTV visited Austin to interview Randy Caballero of Grupo X and Paul Soronski of Rock Army Records, who together, with some of Tejano’s most renowned artists, produced ResurrXtion.

RusurreXtion is worth the weight of its collaborating musicians, mixing great rhythm with cool grooves, Xelencia remakes, Latin and Cumbia Rock and, of course, Tejano – to create a new and hip CD for the Tejano music market.  But it is much more than that.

Recorded at Studio Masters, Blue Cat and Rock Army Records – this CD includes collaborating musicians: Isreal “Speedy” Villanueva, Randy and Al Caballero, Rick Fuentes, Chris Perez, Jason Touchette, Adam Mosqueda, Alex Geisner, Jesse Perales, Lonnie LaLane, Noah Mosgofian and Mike Mulligan.

Guest singers include Hugo Guerrero, Jason Touchette, Chris “Q”, Rick Fuentes and the “Don” of Tejano, “El Gato Negro,” Ruben Ramos.

X members are legendary in their own right, but together, they created a CD which includes the influences of La Mafia, Xelencia, Ruben Ramos, Fandango USA, Altar Boys, War, Chris Perez and Podunk – all mastered by Randy Miller. The CD was engineered by Caballero, Soroski and Joe Trevino – Need I say more!

Alas, Frank Gomez played his final performance to a full house in Austin’s Baby A’s.  It was bittersweet but Gomez felt they had to “move on to move up!” Thanks Liz and Frank for the VIP treatment – we love you guys! For band and booking information, go to www.FrankGomez.com.

Look for the upcoming interviews of Grupo X and Frank Gomez on LFTV.

LFTV videos can be seen on John Leguizamo’s Urbano TV, Blip.TV, Youtube and 210 Tv.  Go to www.LatinFusionTV.com and click on one of the channels in the left column.

Don’t forget to Ask Brandy Lopez about The Power of IF!

Take Care, God Bless and Cool Runnings, Mon – Michael Arellano

Brandy Lopez and Michael Arellano are the Executive Producers of LFTV and IF.  LFTV has more than 200,000 visits in 5 months and more than 2 million hits in the last year. Covering community and culture, “we highlight people not parties!”

Do we actually know how St Valentine came about? How did it become one of the most major holidays in the U.S.

Some may think that it started with the Cupid?  I don’t think so.  To my surprise  St. Valentine has been around since 269 A.D. There is great history in all this, but I’ll just get to the point.

Valentine’s Day, as we see it today, is about Romance, Love, Sweethearts, and perhaps even going to the Chapel of Love and saying those two words that become one and that show the love between two people – “I DO”

I see  Valentine’s as little similar to Christmas when the shopping and planning begin all over again.  This time, it has a special meaning for couples.

Which brings me to this little story that I thought was so sweet, I was visiting this jewelry store and in walks this older man with a shopping bag, and tells the sales man that he has already done his shopping for his Valentine Sweetheart, and can you believe we were still in January!

My eyes became watery, and all I could think of was – what a lucky lady to have someone who was excited to have done his shopping for the one he Loves.  He did it  early, on time and did not wait to the last minute.  I found that to be a Blessing.

Valentines is when we should reach out and tell that special someone in our life how much they really mean to us, and how blessed we are to have one another and to appreciate each other.

Sure, we women love Roses, Romantic Dinners, Lingerie, Chocolate covered strawberry’s, and just to be pampered on that One Special night, but this is all materialistic.

To me, and I hope to you, it is the  words that people share, words full of pure love – this is what we should treasure and hold close to our heart. The rest, and I repeat, is materialistic.

But don’t get me wrong I won’t turn down the gifts.  I am not that crazy!

Thought I’d add a little Humor.  But seriously Ladies, just like we wonder what kind of special evening our significant other has planned for us, they wonder the same.

You would be surprise how men expect a romantic evening, and please don’t forget their gift.  Trust me I know!

I find Valentine’s Day to be very exciting, I enjoy watching everyone at the store looking for that special card with those perfect words.

We know that every  Flower shop is busy trying to make those deliveries on time, and the restaurants are preparing for the right setting to add that special romantic touch for every couple.

So with all this said and done I want to say to all you Love Birds: “The way you embrace each other today and especially tonight there is one thing you may want to remember – that Valentines Day does not have to end at midnight.”

Keep that flame burning and Cupid’s arrows flying; continue to embrace each other and tell each other everyday those three special words: “I Love You!”

Have a Blessed Day and Happy Valentines To each and every one of You!

Till next time, support each other and most of all, Respect each other.

From My Heart filled with LOVE:

Brandy Lopez – “I Walk By Faith and Not by Sight!”

Why do I ask?  Because, and I’m being honest, before today – I had no idea what they really stood for.  Don’t get me wrong, I know who they are, i have seen them and I have even met them – twice.  But before this week, I did not truly understand what they stood for.

To me, They are a family and fun-filled basketball team that entertains audiences worldwide.  I have seen them perform live twice and have met some of the greatest names in Globetrotter History – Curly Neal, Meadowlark Lemon, Gator Rivers, Robert “BabyFace” Page among others.

But these were the only Globetrotters I had met or knew the names of and I did not know what they really stood for.  But I recently had the pleasure of meeting the newest generation of Globetrotters!  I never expected to meet them 35 years later and ask the questions I always wanted to ask.

Moreover,  I did not expect to learn what I learned.

How does it relate to Latin Fusion TV? First of all, Brandy interviewed them and I get to write about them.

If you read our Blog, you know that it is not about us – It is about making the world a better place.  We might write about what we do, but we apply it to spiritual Principles and how we can make the world a better place to live and love – one Blog at a time.

And as I always ask:  What does that have to do with the Harlem Globetrotters. Because they are the “Ambassadors of  Good Will” around the world. And in a small way – so are we.  If you recall, we wrote about influencing others in our last post.  That no matter how you act or what you do – you will influence others (either positively or negatively).  And that we have all been influenced in one way or another by someone.

Well, these guys make an impact globally.  Allow me introduce to you the people we met: Ant, Rocket, Sarge, Squirrel, Slingshot, Hi-Lite, FlightTime, Airport, Turbo, Bones and Coach Clyde along with Director of Player Personnel and Coach “Sweet” Lou Dunbar!

These are great guys – all Basketball players, all “Ambassodors of Good Will,” and all are top notch entertainers.  And, in talking with them – I found the following that I will share:

1. God gives talent – but to develop them takes work;
2. You never know when you will be discovered – some of these guys never expected to be Globetrotters, but;
3. God works in mysterious ways;
4. It is important to have fun;
5. It is important to give back;
6. You must be be willing to learn;
7. It is imperative to be open to new ideas;
8. The world is a great big place;
9. There is no substitute for hard work; and
10. God will reward your efforts in ways you never expected!

There are many more things I can add, but that will be in the next post.  But I will say this – when we were told about the Globetrotters being in San Antonio and offered a chance to meet them – we asked the sponsors (Howard Johnson) if we could interview them.

They did not know us and we were not given an answer – but our host did try to help us out.  We didn’t gripe because as I said – Howard Johnson Corporate did not know who we are.  But they encouraged us to show up. We did, and they were so hospitable and congenial.  The corporate folks at Howard Johnson (HoJo) were very nice, the location at Balcones Heights is very clean and it was all set up for the guests.

We were pleasantly surprised to find that the HoJo folks were similar to the Globetrotters – willing to give back to the community.  Hey, we know this is a business, but they do good business and with a smile on their face.  We we met some good people, Dee, Greg, Megan, Daniel, Mr. Ghael and the others from HoJo.

But more important, we were granted an interview, we were given the opportunity to mingle with the crowd, take photos and speak with everyone there.  Their philosophy is the same as ours – treat people right and be good to the community.  Just like the Globetrotters! It was an awesome day – we even went to the game later that night.  But it was an experience – I even found out that some kids had never even heard of the Globetrotters – and that was a  shock to me…We grew up on them.

The gist of all of this is: It is important to Trust in God, work hard, utilize His gifts and your talent and give back to the community in some way or another!  You will Reap what you Sow – it is proven! And it is a beautiful thing!

Stay tuned for our next post where I will share the importance of having fun and enjoying life (even while you are working) – because for two hours during the day and two hours at night and taking time out of our busy schedule to have fun, we did just that! We were entertained – but boy, did we have fun!

And the Globetrotters reminded me to smile!

We have photos posted in the gallery and a video on www.LatinFusionTV.com.  Check em both out.

Take care, God Bless and Cool Runnings – Michael

But for now, let us celebrate our similarities rather than our differences.

Why?  Because it is easy to find fault and differences that separate – but true humanity and value as people falls in celebration and appreciation of the similarities we share as part of the human race.

Alright, what am I saying and what does it have to do with:  “It only takes one!”  What does that mean?

Allow me to explain:  Life is filled with joy, frustration, anger, happiness, loss, love, security and insecurity.  It also consists of finding the one moment or incident that will make you remember, for the rest of your days.  And recently I had that moment that leads me to say:  “It Only Takes One!”

1. one kind word – to lift a spirit;
2. one mean word -  to kill a spirit;
3. one random act of kindness – to bring joy to someone;
4. one smile – to brighten someones day;
5. one word of encouragement – to keep someone moving forward;
6. one word of discouragement – to make someone quit;
7. one kiss – to take your breath away;
8. one movie – to change your opinion;
9. one person – to change your life for the better or for the worse;
10. one gift – to make a Christmas for someone;
11. one teacher – to influence you forever;
12. one hug – to make you feel better;
13. one song – to change your attitude;
14. one tragic story – to reevaluate your life;
15. one tragedy – to change your life forever;
16. One drink – to take you over the edge;
17. one moment – to never forget;
18. ad infinitum and you get the picture….

But understand – it only takes one and you are THE ONE!

We lost a friend this week (as we all do) and it reminded me of what I saw last week.  Allow me to share:

My partner, the Beautiful Brandy Lopez was invited to participate in a gift giving excursion.  She was Mrs. Clause.  She, along with Bexar County Sheriff Amadeo Ortiz and  Santa Clause, rode on a horse drawn carriage down a major street, with a police escort to deliver toys to the  Clarity Mental Health Center for Children.  It was a neat experience.

In celebration of the Christmas spirit, they delivered toys to the 80 or 90 children that are part of this school.  The school helps children who are emotionally challenged and suffering from some sort of mental challenge (depression, ADHD, ADD, PTSD, etc.) Most of these children have suffered one tragedy after another, so much so that they are traumatized and need therapy.  Some go through The Clarity, which has some good people at the helm and what appeared to be a very caring staff.

As the children came and went , some spoke to Santa, some just picked up their gifts and moved along.  Some were shy, some didn’t care to engage but were happy nonetheless.

Then came The One.  This little guy walked up to the carriage with his hand held out.  He was walking with one of his teachers beside him.  He was not looking for permission as much as he needed someone to walk this journey with him.  It was unclear what he was doing at first until we noticed he was holding something in his hand as he approached the carriage and Santa.  The carriage was hand made of wrought iron and was being pulled by a Hummer.  It was big compared to this little guy.

I was standing behind the little guy and was just not sure what was happening  until I saw the cookie in his little hand.  He slowly approached, with his hand held out, his head down and meekly reached out and said, “Santa, this is for you!”   We were floored!

Not because he was the only one to do this, not because he did it and it made me think, but because you could almost sense the fear of rejection.  He reached out. His gift was accepted and he was accepted.

And it was Santa Clause that accepted his gift.  The One thing that every child wishes – that Santa would accept and take his cookie.  Imagine all the cookies left for Santa in this world. Imagine, as the children do, that Santa gathered them up and ate them with a smile.

But think about it, we were able to see this happen as it happened.  The little guy smiled and was still smiling when we left.  And it led me to think that it only takes one – one moment, one gift – given from the innocent of heart.

And it reminded me that “The most important gifts are from the heart!”  And Because – they are given with love!

And God so Loved the World that He gave his only begotten Son, so that we may have Salvation!  Happy Birthday Jesus!

God Bless You all and Merry Christmas!

Michael Arellano