Latin Fusion TV BLOG

Hello to our wonderful readers and fans! Now that September is here, autumn is just around the corner. It has been a Hot summer.

August was a busy and exciting month for me and many others, especially with the start of another school year.  I want to share with you about embracing and celebrating community events and how easy it is to “Make a Difference!”

As I look forward into September and October and prepare for what God has in store for me, I look back at the blessings God presented me this past month.

I spent my time going to auditions, acting, and emceeing while helping within the community.  In doing this, I realize how important our community is and how easy it is to get involved.

I had the opportunity to be the Mistress of Ceremonies for UTSA’s Alumni Scholarship Gala.  It was an honor to be among so many of our leaders, including UTSA President Dr. Ricardo Romo and his beautiful wife, Dr. Harriett Romo.

It was a full house and as I gazed throughout the ballroom, I saw the commitment to education that each individual has given to be an inspiration for themselves, their loved ones, and for others.

The Mystic Knights held their annual School Supply Drive.  This year they included their commitment to the SouthTown Lions by adding an eyeglass drive.  The Mystic Knights have captivated my heart as they constantly reach out to help less fortunate children and families.

With the help of his family, local car clubs and community leaders, Carlos Martinez, Mystic Knights President (who also writes for Street Talk), collected supplies to ease the financial burden on families so the students can focus on education.

As he addressed the crowd, he mentioned that even a pencil can make a difference as it gives students something to write with. We were moved by his speech. The Knights are an inspiration.

The Ambassador Project SA, led by Professor Joe Michael Gonzales held their inaugural fundraiser to provide students with Scholarships.  They raised $1,300 in their first attempt. Great Job Guys!

Jaime Martinez celebrated his 66^th birthday at Pueblo Hall with about 150 of his closest friends.  Jaime let me emcee his party, which included Congressman Lloyd Doggett, Commissioner Tommy Atkinson and many others.  But the real gift was listening to Jaime play his trumpet with Little Henry and the Legends band.  What a great night!

We helped the Latinos in Action Hispanic Sports Hall of Fame Induction raise money for scholarships.  The inductees included SA Talon’s record-setting Quarterback Aaron Garcia; NFL Pro-Bowl Guard Max Montoya; High school Basketball Superstar Denise Forestier; and Dr. Henry Cisneros, who received a Lifetime Achievement Award.  The LIA has presented more than $90K in scholarship monies in the last 18 years.

I am excited to say that I got an opportunity to play a part in an upcoming film.  Filmed here in San Antonio, it included me acting with legends in the film industry.  What an experience! I learned that if you just show up, great things can happen.  Will keep you posted on the film.

On October 13th, I will receive an Outstanding Women Role Model Award from the Image De San Antonio.  Proceeds will also go to scholarships. What an honor!

On October 6, from 3 to 8 pm, more than 25,000 Rubber Ducks will race down the San Antonio River to benefit Haven for Hope and Paseo del Rio Association! Adopt a duck for $5! Hope to see you there.

I want to wish all the students a great and successful year.  You are the future so do your best, ask God for guidance and open your mind to learning.

Do not Bully.  If you know of anyone being bullied, speak to your parents and your principal and stand up for the little guy.  You have the right to be you, get an education and be an example to others.

As always, Saludos to all of the men and women who serve and have served our country in the military, you are our heroes.

Giving back to your community is a way to “Make a Difference!” Giving of time is as important as giving money.  Big or small, fundraiser or community awareness events, these all give us an opportunity to build bridges and remove barriers.

God has blessed you with a gift – Please, let us give together, these gifts given so freely by Father God!

I thank you for your continued support, walking with me on my journey and ask you Make a Difference.  And remember to always “Walk by faith and not by Sight!” - Brandy

 

Brandy Lopez interviews Poncho de Anda for Father’s Day!

Check out this candid interview with Latin Fusion Tv’s Brandy Lopez Despierta America’s Poncho de Anda as they discuss the joys of Fatherhood!

Happy Mother’s Day to all our Beautiful Moms! You are our Blessed mother, our Angel, Our Hero.

It’s a Blessing to know how a mothers love goes a long way and has no end no matter what!

Let me share a little bit with you about my mother for those of you who may not know her, but are blessed to have a mother just like her with a heart of gold!

When you walk into my mothers house you become (continue reading…)

New Year Resolution – Follow Your Heart! By Brandy Lopez

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. (continue reading…)

Happy New Year to everyone!

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

 

Many people have heard the term cloud computing, but few seem to be aware of what it really is. This is unfortunate, because it is the future of how computers will operate. In its most basic form, this type of computing is the use of programs and information over a network, usually the internet, instead of having them physically in the same location.

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.

Hello to all of our Readers! We hope you had a safe Halloween and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!  The Holidays are upon us so enjoy your time with your family and be thankful for what you have.

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

 

 

 

 

Fear is a killer! Yes – a killer.  It can keep you from doing what needs to be done.  It can make you do things you do not want to do. It affects all of those around you and most of all, it can cripple and paralyze you, stealing your ability to function in a normal and healthy manner.

Yes, I said steal – what I might could say is it will ROB YOU OF PEACE and Joy.

But what is fear, how is it defined.  You can look at the definition, but does that truly answer the question? Not if you are having too deal with fear in your life.

Fear can be defined in one of two simple ways (and forgive my French):

1. F*#* Everything And Run; or
2. Face Everything And Recover.

Fear can cause us to lie to ourselves, withhold truths and basically lead us into such a place that we no longer see reality as it is and only see it from scared, lonely and tired eyes – expecting the worst and getting it in return.

In Reality and simple enough, Fear is basically only two things: We are afraid.  We are Afraid 1) That we will not get what we want; and/or 2) that we will lose something that we already have.

But let’s not be foolish – FEAR is real. And there are such things as healthy, as well as, unhealthy fears.  An example of a healthy fear is a) fearing that we will get diabetes if we continue to ignore healthy eating practices, do not maintain our exercise and have a history of diabetes in our family.  B) Another example can be a fear of having an accident or crashing our vehicle, especially if we are driving in inclimate weather or while driving in a rushed or hurried state. C) A third example (as it relates to me) will be that I will return to drug or alcohol abuse if I do not maintain my practices in recovery; i.e. going to meetings, working with others, etc…

These three examples are healthy and realistic enough.  But there is a solution to these types of fears – as healthy as they are – they are just that, fears.

Quickly, I will exemplify the 2nd of my two definitions: Face Everything And Recover – with fear of diabetes we must maintain a healthy diet, exercise and watch what we eat while going to a doctor and making sure we do what we are supposed to do – regardless of family history.  And if we still get it – do what is expected to treat it properly.  Fear pops up while we drive – we have all sensed it or experienced this type of fear – and what do we do, slow down, pay attention to conditions and other drivers and proceed with caution.  Finally, in my case – I must go to meetings; work with other alcoholics/addicts; read the Big Book; maintain a clean and spiritual mindset and recognize when I am falling into a state of anxiety and resentment so I do not relapse.  I am an Alcoholic/Addict in recovery, with more than 7 years clean and sober from the throes of addiction.  And for that I am grateful!

You see the answer is recognizing why we have the fear and its causes and then doing something about them, doing something that will solve the problem – and this, in turn, will address the fear issue.  But we MUST, and I mean Must, be honest with ourselves.

Look, there are more types of fear – fear of losing our house, or jobs,  in tough economic times – this is as real as it gets, but there are always ways out…IF we trust in GOD! IT may not be what we expect or want, but the situation will always work itself out, one way or another – I have seen it and it is happening to me today.  We MUST Trust in God!

Trust that God is working behind the scenes on your behalf, Trust that He has a greater plan for you and your situation and trust that no matter what – it is going to be okay NO MATTER WHAT!

And I will leave you with that for healthy fears – but what about Unhealthy fears – Fears based on F*#* Everything And Run!  These fears are worse and require more work, but again – THERE IS A SOLUTION!!!

More on that later, until then…

Take Care, God Bless and Cool Runnings Mon – Michael

 

And I bet you asked: “Now why don’t he write?”

We apologize for not writing more as we have been busy – but that is no excuse; especially since so many of you take the time to read our humble little post and even take the time to comment. Thanks for that!

But now, I will get straight to the point – In my quest to be a more effective communicator or just to be more healthy in my dealings with others – I need to talk about R & R.

Or, as I like to call it: Rehearsals and Rehashing!

R& R affects yours and my ability to communicate effectively.

When we do a little R & R, we waste time in our head, period…

But first a little back story:    The mall we had partnered with (so we thought),  has terminated our arrangement. The place is San Antonio, TX and the the Mall is Wonderland of the Americas.  Management and staff refer the mall in the following: “There is always something going on!”

Much to our chagrin and surprise – they were not kidding.  It was just not as positive as we had hoped.

They say it was nothing that we did as a group and cite incompatibility as a reason to part ways.  I think and say different, but I will not draft my opinion here.  What I will do is share the unnecessary need and desire for R & R.

R & R, if not Rest and Relaxation, is a waste of time and energy. Let me explain:

Rehearsing is what you do when you carry on a conversation (in your head) with someone before it happens or with someone that is not even present.  You practice telling them this or that, or should I say: you are going to tell them this and that and usually is a rather assertive tone going on in your head.  Problem is, when the conversation actually takes place – it does not always go as it was rehearsed and they do not respond the way you acted it out in your head – then you are stuck! And it almost always plays out different than what you initially planned or rehearsed.

Rehashing is when you go through a conversation, after it is done, over and over wishing you would have said this or that.  Goes something like this: I should have told them this, I should have said that!

Some say that hindsight is 20/20; others second guess the end result – problem is it still requires wasted energy.  Problem is, again, the conversation is over and it does not reflect on what was actually said, just what should have been said.

Never is it healthy because the conversation is over and resentments build between the non-existent parties.  Basically, you had your chance at the meeting – do not waste energy constantly trying to change an outcome that has been decided.

Do you Understand?

I will cite an example: Recently, we had a meeting with the operations and marketing managers of the mall.  This was our “Exit” meeting.  They were there to tell us that we would have absolutely no more dealings with the mall.

Such is life in relationships – some work, some don’t and some need a bit of working together to make it healthy.

I had planned not to say much because I did not have much to say.  This was our exit.  What use would it do to gripe or share how unhealthy our relationship was – IT WOULD NOT CHANGE THE OUTCOME!

During the meeting, I was constantly being asked if about my demeanor in the meeting – I was stoic and distant. Not angry, upset, nor immature – just aloof.  I had nothing to say – anything I would have added to the meeting would have been fruitless. Nothing would have come from it – I repeat – IT WOULD NOT CHANGE THE OUTCOME!.

Usually, I would have thought about what I wanted to say and how I wanted to say it many times over.  But because I knew where we stood with the mall and I knew how I felt about the principles – I made a conscious effort to stop thinking about what I was going to say, or wanted to say in the meeting…

Trust me – I have some reservations and thoughts about how it all went down, even from the beginning.  We have all encountered something like this, haven’t we?

Anyway, below is a list to save yourself from Rehearsals and Rehashes:

1. Remember the message not what you want to tell them or how you want to say it;
2. Create an agenda;
3. Remove the emotion from your agenda;
4. Make a conscious effort to catch yourself when you are playing it out in your head;
5. Prepare yourself for any deviations – that way, you won’t get caught off guard;
6. When the meeting is over – let it stay that way – it is over;
7. Try to stay healthy in your mind and in your dealings, regardless of the outcome;
8. Do not go over it again and again – otherwise, you are just allowing them to rent space in your head;
9. Stay away from resentment – this is the most unhealthy aspect of rehashing; and
10. Make a conscious effort to catch yourself when you are rehashing in your head.

Look, this is easier said than done, especially if you are not a strong meeting person.  In a nutshell:

Save rehearsals for the plays and skits – the real world requires knowing what idea/strategy/plan or message you want to convey.  This takes tough planning and execution where agendas will help you be a better meeting person and less apt to get sideswiped with any change in direction.

When it is all said and done, remember that there is very little you can do or say – so accomplish as much as you can during the meeting.  This way you don’t feel slighted or feel like you have been cheated.

With that said, I hope this helps….

Take care, God Bless and Cool Runnings, Mon! – Michael

 

 

A huge hello and Big Hug to all our readers who continue to support our LFTV Blog!  It really has been a while since my last blog, so I want to say I am sorry.. It has been pretty busy and I can’t believe March is almost gone.

I want to say” Happy Birthday” to all those who are celebrating a birthday in March. I recently celebrated mine with my beautiful family that I love so much.

The moments that we spend with our family can become and should always be very memorable. My siblings and I are very close and I am very Blessed with my beautiful children.  One thing I can say is: Dad and I did something right! And to have two sets of wonderful parents that are always smiling. Just to see the excitement on their face when we walk through the front door of their home you immediately feel the warming welcome.

I am not saying that we are perfect lets be  realistic who is?  Other than one man and his name is Jesus Christ.

We spoil and pamper each other in a loving and caring way,we laugh, we cry together, we pray for each other when we are facing tough times.  There are those who  think  my mom has the Red phone to reach God when we need answered prayers.

I share this  with you because, to me, everyday is a Birthday of celebration, especially when it comes to your family and those that you love; we always include and never exclude.

We recently had two family members that we had not seen in over twenty years come back into our lives.  To have them back in our lives was like they were never apart from us.  Even from a distance, the closeness that one has, and the love that we hold in our hearts, will always make up for the lost time.

As I celebrate this moment in time I ask  myself why am I  so Blessed to have a family as Beautiful as mine.

So when it comes to celebrating your birthday remember this, Everyday that you wake up you should give thanks and celebrate another day of life and another day to say how Blessed you are to have a Family that loves you so.

It’s not the gifts and the parties that you will cherish; but The Love of your Family that you will keep close to your heart till eternity.

This was the best gift God could have blessed me with and I wouldn’t have asked for anything else.

So if you are celebrating your birthday remember this, Family and Friends and the one that you Love is the best Gift of All that anyone could possibly have.

I do not know if this describes  you, but just know this, that no matter how small or big your family may be, or even if there is no family at all: Say Thank You to God for your special day and celebrate  today just like you would tomorrow.

Happy Birthday to you! may the Blessings Shower upon you and give you a life of Abundance.

Till next time keep smiling.      Brandy Lopez

“We walk by Faith and not by Sight”