Tag: San Antonio
Make a Difference! Si se Puede!
by LatinFusionTV on Sep.04, 2012, under Arts & Entertainment, Celebrations, Culture, Events, General Posts
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 66th 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
New Year Resolution – Follow Your Heart!
by LatinFusionTV on Jan.09, 2012, under Arts & Entertainment, Events, Faith, General Posts, Health, Spiritual
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…)
Diamond “Twinkle In The Sky”
by LatinFusionTV on Dec.31, 2011, under Christian, Faith, Fear, General Posts, Gratitude, Health, Love, Spiritual
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
Cloud Computing in 2012
by LatinFusionTV on Dec.30, 2011, under General Posts
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.
Finishing Well
by LatinFusionTV on Nov.06, 2011, under Culture, Events, General Posts
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 9th, 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
Cesar Chavez Legacy Honored
by LatinFusionTV on May.20, 2011, under Celebrations, Culture
The United States Navy has decided to name a Lewis and Clark-class cargo ship after the late Latino labor organizer Cesar Chavez. San Antonio, TX’s City Council, in an unrelated yet equally positive move – voted to rename the historic Durango Blvd. to Cesar E. Chavez Blvd.
The decisions were controversial to many, but the two separate but important events thrust the Mexican American into the historic limelight for their contributions to the American way of life.
Mexican Americans and Latinos should be proud of their heritage and contribution to (continue reading…)
Harlem Globetrotters teach us to smile!
by LatinFusionTV on Jan.30, 2011, under Events, Spiritual, Sports
Ever heard of the Harlem Globetrotters? Ever seen them? Ever met them? Do you know what they stand for? If you answer yes to any of these questions, you are blessed.
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:
- God gives talent – but to develop them takes work;
- You never know when you will be discovered – some of these guys never expected to be Globetrotters, but;
- God works in mysterious ways;
- It is important to have fun;
- It is important to give back;
- You must be be willing to learn;
- It is imperative to be open to new ideas;
- The world is a great big place;
- There is no substitute for hard work; and
- 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
Gratitude is an Action!
by LatinFusionTV on Nov.08, 2010, under Christian, Events, General Posts, Gratitude, Spiritual
Hey everyone – we hope you are doing well. I have been asked to expand on “Thanks is a four letter word!” So here goes!
We were in the United States Military Veterans Day Parade today in San Antonio and I want to share the magnitude of this event for me and how it affects my life. I was brought to tears with what I saw and able to participate in.
First of all, I want to say thank you to all the men and women out there who have ever served in the military for their country. I don’t care if you were a good soldier or a bad soldier – it takes sacrifice. One gives up much to be in the service. Imagine if we were mandated by government to serve, like some countries.
There were thousands who participated in the parade and thousands more who came to watch the parade.
I am grateful for and proud of the men and women who serve in our military. The duty and sacrifice is enormous – but those that served during wartime and actually fought in one of our many skirmishes – I have a different type of respect for them.
People involved in conflict are scarred in one way or another – if not scarred, certainly affected. They have endured man at his worst and maybe even had to be that person that they never dreamed of. I mean, how would I react to the atrocity of war? Anyway, I just saw so much today – a people proud to wear their uniform and show their colors – and a people willing to come and say thanks…
That is what I mean by Gratitude is an Action – Actions speak louder than words. So here are my suggestions:
- Volunteer – You can always give back by helping someone else who needs it;
- Say “Thank you!” – I have posted about this before – it is the nice thing to do;
- Pay it forward – Blessings always come back to those that give;
- It is better to give than to receive – Trust me, it is true – try it ad see;
- “I am sorry” doesn’t always cut it – change the behavior;
- If you have the means – help – People need all kinds of help and if you can help, please do it;
- There are more ways to help than just giving money – time is help as well as sharing with others what you know how to do;
- Do it with a smile – God loves a cheerful giver;
- Do not expect anything in return – Nothing is worse than giving with conditions, makes you look like a user; and
- Check your motives – See #9, it is important to show your gratitude without ulterior motives – otherwise, it isn’t gratitude.
I’ll tell you what I saw that brought me to tears – I saw men proud to be part of this great country, proud to wear their uniforms and proud to show others that they stood for something (even if they were not appreciated).
But more importantly, I saw a veteran standing on the side of the road as the parade passed and he was thanking everyone as they passed. He was very sincere. But then a women that was walking with her group in the parade, left the procession and ran to that man. She gave him a big hug and said “Thank You!” He and I were shocked. She caught him off guard. It was beautiful!
I didn’t capture it on camera – but I will never forget it. He meant it and she meant it and that was enough. The fact that she went out of her way to hug this man was the most memorable part of the day for me.
I know I was touched by the spirit this day, because I was “sentido” the rest of the afternoon. That is when I know I have been touched by the spirit, when silly movies move me…(That’s another blog topic)!
Anyway, just remember that it doesn’t take that much more to do the right thing and give a little of yourself. And if you take the road less traveled – traffic is usually light.
Take care, God Bless and Cool Runnings, mon! – Michael Arellano
if you want to leave a personal message, contact us at latinfusiontv@gmail.com
Una Noche de la Gloria – San Anto style!
by LatinFusionTV on Oct.10, 2010, under General Posts
Last night, we attended Una Noche de la Gloria (“La Gloria”), in the heart of San Antonio’s (San Anto) Westside community. The event took place in the Guadalupe Cultural Arts District. It was amazing.
La Gloria is the brainchild of a good friend of mine – Gabriel Quintero Velasquez. My friend, or figuratively speaking, my brother, Gabe, is a man of vision. He envisioned a cultural event which promotes the Arts and gives potential buyers an opportunity to see vendors and artists in one place. This is not an actual festival, but instead an artisans alley with Music, Fashion, Sculptures, Show-cars and Artists.
La Gloria is defined as Contemporary Art in the Cultural Zone and was created for artists, giving San Antonio’s most creative Latino and cultural minds and performing artists a venue.
La Gloria was phenomenal and the turnout was good. We were blessed to see the following: Apocalyptic Couture by Pablo Rosales (Fashion and hairshow followed by a professional photo shoot); Music by the Elijah Zane Experience and Bombasta; Art by Jeff Hull, Gevers Art Studio, James Saldivar and many others. Pushrods Car Club showed off some very cool vintage automobiles; and there were some very interesting wood sculptures. The big deal was “Estilo in the Street” produced by Project Runway’s Wildcard Agosto Cuellar with the help of co-Producer, Mari Salinas.
For photos, goto: http://latinfusiontv.com/gallery2.html
But let’s talk about what is really important here – following your creative dreams! Gabe and I have spent many years discussing many things and following our dreams has always been a point of discussion. But what does it really mean to have dreams and how do you follow them to success? I will provide some insight here:
- Following your dreams is as important as having dreams in the first place – Having a dream is never enough, you have to act;
- The Fortune is in the Follow-up – Dreams will not come to fruition on their own;
- Be Clear on what you want to accomplish – How will you know that you have arrived if you don’t know where you are going;
- Set Goals and Objectives – Goals tell you what you want to do and objectives show you how to get there;
- Start from the Top – Work you way down, it is easier than working your way up (it is easier to move downhill);
- Determine your motives – Why are you doing what you are doing?
- Determine your audience – Who are you doing it for?
- Determine your actions – What will it take to get you there?
- Be persistent - You never know when success is around the corner;
- Keep on “Keeping on” – There is always something to be done, especially in the face of setbacks; and
- Never Give Up – speaks for itself!
I could go on ad infinitum, but I will stop with this list. Hey, dreams are what this world is made of, and there are many dreams that we will never see but it doesn’t mean that we have to quit or give up. Dreams make the world go round.
So go out and find a dream that you can hold on to then go after it like a drowning man would go after a life jacket. What do you have to lose – after all, if you reach for the stars and make touch the moon – life is not all bad!
More on this topic later!
Take care, God Bless and Cool Runnings mon – Michael
Independence Day in SA!
by LatinFusionTV on Jul.04, 2010, under General Posts
Today we celebrate our Independence Day as a Nation! It is a time to be thankful for what we have by way of Freedom. Freedom isn’t free! Do not take it for granted, just ask people from others countries who have had to struggle with oppression.
But there is more to freedom than that as a nation. One needs to “Be Free” as a person. One needs to be free to Enjoy life, family and the enjoy the pursuit of happiness. And not be held hostage by lifestyle and fear
Yesterday, I spent a few hours speaking with a family about alcohol abuse and its effects. They asked me to intervene and moderate a discussion with dad. Dad did not like this one bit – I understand why he wouldn’t.
The family is in bondage and the father is holding them hostage. But he loves them and they love him. However, that is not freedom! I understand this too. Because I have held hostages also – with my addictions and behavior.
So I say this – if you are struggling with oppression – be it self imposed or otherwise – Work to BE FREE! Seek help, dig deep, trust God and work your way out! But do not try to go at it alone. There are people who will support your efforts.
Freedom is to be enjoyed and I love the fact that I am no longer a slave to alcohol and drugs. I love my family and they love me. And today I even have friends that care about me deeply, because I truly care about them…
So… Please enjoy your freedoms and say hi to someone you don’t know. Strike up a conversation. Do something that makes you feel free – go for a walk, I don’t know, but do something – understand that what little freedoms we do have – someone paid the ultimate price for us – be grateful!
So today, I got to enjoy my freedom and Celebrate the Fourth of July at Woodlawn Lake watching fireworks. And I want to say the following: God Bless America, I Support our troops and I am Proud to be an American.
Finally, We appreciate you all who read our blog – Please know that we love and appreciate you all and enjoy your comments. Thanks for reading and sharing. We love it!
Oh yeah, you can check out our July 4th video and pics on our website and gallery.
God Bless, Take care and Cool Runnings — Michael Arellano


