Something to think about - by Kristy

"I guess I can’t really change the past since it’s now history and I certainly cannot change tomorrow, for I am not promised it, but I can change the way I live today. This realization in itself is the root of not only who I want to be tomorrow, but who I am working on being today. Never again do I want to fail anything without an attempt; I want push myself to my fullest potential, and if that means that I fall a few times along the way then so be it, but I will no longer allow myself to just give up. I deserve better, and it is time that I start believing that." Nadia Kelifa

Perseverance - by Monica

Read the original article I wrote for the Oakland Press at Church Members Helping in Haiti

A couple weeks ago, I drove by Cornerstone Community Church in Waterford to see their wooden cross, half charred by fire, still standing proudly in front of the church for everyone who passed by to see. That cross showed me how much that church perseveres through the tough times and still shares their message to anyone who passes by.

In the beginning of college, I went to Cornerstone every Wednesday night. And I was shocked when I heard that, on Aug. 9, an unknown person broke into the church and set the inside on fire, causing $50,000 in damages. I am convinced that this means the church was doing something right if someone tried so hard to stop them.

But the members of Cornerstone are not letting this stop them! They are not letting the person who set the fire stop them! With no church building to call their own, members of Cornerstone Community Church will be holding a fundraiser tonight — not for themselves, but to help others.

Members of Cornerstone will host a drive-in movie outside the church to raise money for their upcoming trip to Haiti. All funds raised will go to support the trip, which is approximately $1,300 per person. The movie will be “The Blind Side,” and the cost is a donation.

“If anything, our struggles make us more equipped to help others,” said Brian Baldwin, pastor of Cornerstone. “Everyone, at some point or another, struggles, so if we can in any way help someone through a hard time, we will.”

Before the fire, members of the church began planning a mission trip to Haiti. And, despite their recent loss, they will not let it hinder their mission trip in March 2011.

“Just because we face a few trials doesn’t mean we are going to stop helping people the way God is calling us to do. That’s the whole reason Cornerstone is here, to help people,” said Jennifer Baldwin, Brian’s wife.

How often do we let people who set fire to who we are stop us? There are plenty of times where I sat down and just gave up because someone hurt me and I felt worthless. There are plenty of times where I also turned a blind eye to someone else's pain because I was going through my own fair share of pain and didn't feel like helping someone else. Cornerstone Community Church taught me that despite what you are going through, there will always be someone worse off than you who needs help WAY more than you do! They also taught me that, if someone tries to set fire to who you are, this does not mean something is wrong with you! In fact, it means the opposite! It means you are doing something great and the enemy is trying desperately to halt you. Instead of listening, keep on going!

To attend the Haiti mission trip fundraiser, bring a lawn chair to the drive-in at 8:30 p.m. tonight outside the church at 2611 Dixie Hwy., Waterford Township. Donations will be accepted, and church members will sell drinks and popcorn.

Young at heart = a good thing - by Monica

Read the original article by Scott Mayerowitz at ABC News.

Have you ever met a man who tries so hard to put on a tough guy routine...to the point where you can't help but roll your eyes? Ladies, not to worry. There are more men out there who have a sensitive side than would like to admit it. Personally, being young at heart is one of my top five favorite personality traits, a trait my boyfriend proudly exhibits with his collection of Star Wars collectibles and figurines. But did you know that there are men who carry their toys, preferably their teddy bears, with them when they spend the night away from home?


The British hotel chain Travelodge told ABC News that 25% of men reported they take their teddy bear away with them when going away on business. "The stuffed animal supposedly reminds them of home and -- some say -- helps fill a cuddle-void left by distant partners."

According to the article on ABC News, One in ten single men surveyed admitted they hide their teddy bear when their girlfriend stays over and 14 percent of married men reported they hide their teddy bear in the wardrobe or under the bed when any family and friends come to visit.

To me, this article gives a great example of men who do not follow a stereotype. And I think this teaches a valuable lesson to be who you want to be, do what you want to do, and don't worry about what others will think of you. Chances are, you're not alone.

Disney: Be Yourself - by Kristy

I have a confession to make: I love the Disney Channel. Every now and then, I find it to be a great stress reliever watching it and letting myself feel like a kid again.

The Biggest Loser Season 8 winner comes to Oakland County - by Monica

I'm sure you probably noticed my love of writing about non-profits and fundraisers. So, as you can suspect, this is another entry about a fundraiser. To everyone reading my blog today, I have a small request for you. Clear you schedule for a couple hours this Sunday at 10 a.m. Trust me, it will be worth it.

The winner of Season 8 The Biggest Loser is coming to Oakland County this weekend to speak at Oakland Christian Church and help feed the homeless of Pontiac. Danny Cahill lost 239 pounds of his previous 450 pounds, at the time setting a Biggest Loser record. And he will be sharing his story of success with others at the event. And, instead of eating like he previously filled his time with B.B.L. (before the Biggest Loser), he is now helping those who have no choice but to be hungry. Pontiac homeless shelters have recently been suffering from a food shortage. And so members of Oakland Christian Church ask that people who attend the event bring at least one can of food as their ticket to admission.

I think this is a great event because people will learn how to help themselves and also help others. I have read Cahill's story, and he teaches people that it's never too late to change and that our bad habits do not have a forever hold on us. We can beat our habits, just as Cahill beat his habits one-hundred pounds at a time. He learned that his weight cut his life expectancy down extremely, and that's when he saw that obesity didn't just effect himself. It also effected his family. He didn't want to leave his children without a father, and he didn't want to leave his wife as a widow. And that vision is what made him achieve his goal to take the weight off.

For more information about Danny Cahill, visit thedannycahill.com.

Oakland Christian Church is located at 5100 Adams Road in Oakland Township. The event begins at 10 a.m. on Sun. Aug. 22.

Cookie to Support the Children's Hospital - by Kristy

From August 13-21 you can visit your local Tim Hortons to purchase a special smiling chocolate chip cookie for only $1 plus tax to help support the Children’s Hospital of Michigan Foundation.

Caleb Campbell - by Kristy

I know this isn't a sports blog, so some readers may be taken back when they see I'm doing another post on a football player. But if you read on you'll see why I can't resist.

On July 31st I took my younger brother to the season ticket holder's open training camp for the Detroit Lions. We watched the team's entire practice. I distinctly remember noticing number 53 out there and asking my brother who he is. And he told me, "that's Caleb Campbell, he just got out of the army, you should follow him on twitter- you'd like him." So I went home and did just that. And ever since that point I've been pretty infatuated with Caleb Campbell's story.

His NFL dreams came true when he was drafted by the Lions in 2008, only to have that taken away from him as he had two years to serve in the army first. I don't know the exact details, but somewhere it's a rule that you can't do both. All I know is that must have been a huge low blow to have your dreams snatched out from under you. But what is truly inspiring is that Caleb did not put up a fight, he did not make the unfortunate situation worse. He followed the orders and served and protected our country, feeling that deep down he would have another shot at his professional football dreams. Now it's August 2010 and Campbell made his NFL debut last Saturday against the Pittsburgh Steelers. I can't imagine how great it must feel to finally have your dreams in the palm of your hand, without any threat of it being taken away again. I couldn't stop smiling as I watched him on the field and the commentators couldn't stop praising him for his character and how much all this means to him. I pray that he stays healthy and does great things with his career, hopefully always remaining a Lion.

Now, I personally don't know enough about football to sit here and praise him as a player. But I do know a big heart when I see one and for that fact I can say that I admire Caleb Campbell and think the NFL could use plenty more like him. I may be seen in my Matthew Stafford jersey around Ford Field, but that doesn't mean Caleb Campbell isn't one of my absolute favorite guys on the roster. :)

You can follow Campbell on Twitter using this link.

Funniest headline fails - by Monica

I graduated college two months ago with a degree in journalism, and from all those journalism classes I took, I learned how important a headline is in a news story. Headlines grab a reader's attention, make them want to read the rest of the article. How many times have you based if you wanted to read something off of what it was titled? Another rule we learned about headlines -- be careful of double entendres. I guess these reporters didn't take the same classes I did -- but it sure made from some funny headlines! I do have to admit, some of these headlines are creative though and would make someone read the story (like the one about "Skywalkers"). So, this blog post is for anyone who is in need of a laugh today.

I found these headlines on thehuffingtonpost.com, funnypicblast.com and innocentenglish.com

- Tiger Woods plays with his own balls, Nike says
- Police arrest everyone on February 22nd
- A-Rod goes deep, Wang hurt
- Colleagues finger billionaire
- Federal agents raid gun shop, find weapons
- Skywalkers in Korea cross Han Solo (which is an article about people walking solo across a wire strung high over Han River)
- Missippi literacy program promotes improvement (They spelled Mississippi wrong!)
- Statistics show teen pregnancy drops off significantly after age 25
- Threats disrupt plans to meet about the threats
- Hospitals are sued by 7 foot doctors
- Arson suspect is held in Massachusetts fire
- Kids make nutritious snacks
- New study of obesity looks for larger test group
- Man struck by lightning faces battery charge
- Red tape holds up new bridge
- If strike isn’t settled quickly, it may last a while
- Miners refuse to work after death
- Two sisters reunited after 18 Years in checkout counter
- Anyone who breaks the law is at risk of being arrested
- Quarter of a million Chinese live on water
- House passes gas tax onto senate
- Grandmother of eight makes hole in one

Toad prince - by Monica

You can visit Charlyn's website at: toadprinceillustrations.com






My friend Margaret and I were at Great Lakes Crossing in Auburn Hills last week when we saw a store we had never been in before. It's called Great Lakes Artisan Village, and I was immediately drawn in by the art work I saw from the window.

The paintings were by a Michigan artist named Charlyn Darling. Darling said that she had been influenced by the “Big Eye” art of the 1960’s and 1970’s. Her paintings feature big eyed girls in mostly fantasy settings.

I think everybody needs to find their own escape -- that one thing they love to do for themselves and no one else. Darling found this in painting. I interviewed Darling for an article I'm writing, and she told me, "I have never wanted to really do anything else but draw and paint. I've been drawing since I could first pick up a pencil and to me there is nothing better than this."

If you can make money from doing what you love, what better life is that? But even if you don't make money doing what you love, they are a lot of things better than money. Darling taught me that you need to do what you love and work hard at your passions no matter what. You will lead a happy life if you do what you love.

Reactions - by Kristy

When we're really busy, it's so easy to get caught up in negativity and stress. Stressful situations are always around and though you can't avoid them, the thing to remember is that you are the one in control of how you react.
Author Karen Salmansohn states, "who you truly are as a person is best revealed by who you are during times of conflict and crisis." She explains that during times of smooth sailing, of course any person can appear cool, calm, and collected. It is when life throws us curve balls that one's true character begins to show. Sometimes it can be as simple as counting to 10 in your head to avoid overreacting.
I wanted to share a paragraph from her book:
In life, you always have a choice. Be weak or be strong. Whichever of these paths you choose will determine your ability to bounce back from life's myriad setbacks, crises, or traumas. If you want to survive life's many challenges, you must put in the conscious effort and discipline to be a strong person. It's essential you create a fiery will from within- harness that power of decisiveness- and choose to be your strongest self.
You can view and purchase her book here.

Bravery - by Monica

View original article at abcnews.com



brav·er·y
   /ˈbreɪvəri, ˈbreɪvri
–noun, plural -er·ies.
1.
brave spirit or conduct; courage; valor.
2.
showiness; splendor; magnificence.
—Synonyms
1. intrepidity, fearlessness, boldness, daring, prowess, heroism, pluck, spirit, audacity, nerve, mettle, spunk

Bravery. That woman in the video sure had bravery. And it showed me that there are more ways to deal with fear than just screaming and giving in, which is what I probably would have done in the situation. I feel like sometimes our fear inhibits us and makes us unable to speak to someone who may just need someone to talk to.

After I heard this story on the news, it made me realize that maybe there is more good in people than we give them credit for. Sometimes we spend so much time condemning people for their mistakes that we don't realize that it was just that...a mistake. We don't realize what was going on in their heads when they made that mistake. Instead of hating the man who tried to rob her, the clerk showed him love and compassion, which in turn led him to breaking down and not committing the theft. Just think -- if more of us spread love and compassion instead of hate and fear, maybe it would bring out the best in others as well.

Mike Modano - by Kristy

Mike Modano is a well known and well respected name throughout the National Hockey League. He has played 20 seasons with the same organization and holds the record of most goals scored by a U.S.-born player. At 40 years old, his team did not offer him a new contract for the upcoming 2010-11 season. The problem? - He isn't ready to hang up the skates yet. The solution? - Coming home to play a season with the Detroit Red Wings. Most Wings fans are thrilled at the idea and think he will blend in with the team great. Being that Modano is a Michigan native, many Red Wings fans are already fans of his. My dad actually went to school with Mike, so he is quite excited.
Naturally, Modano had his apprehensions about signing a contract with a new team. When you've played your entire career for one organization, you feel certain bonds you don't want to break. However, in Dallas, his true fans understand that hockey is a business just like anything else and Modano is only doing what is best for himself and his career. With no new contract in Dallas and having to pick a different team to play for, I have to say coming home and playing for the Red Wings seems like not only the obvious choice, but the perfect one.


This picture, from Getty Images, was taken on April 8 of this year. It was the last home game of the season and Modano saluted the fans as, deep in his heart, he knew it would be his last chance in a Stars' jersey.

Children's Hospital of Michigan - by Kristy

For one of my classes in the fall, I need to do 60 hours of volunteer work. Being in a sorority, Phi Sigma Sigma, I have already had the privilege of doing lots of different work in the community. One area of service that I haven't done yet, that means so much to me, is working directly with kids in need. That's why I instantly filled out an application to volunteer at the Children's Hospital of Michigan. I had an interview this past weekend and I have my orientation in less than two weeks. I feel so blessed and anxious to start my first shift at the hospital. These kids are so brave despite what they go through in life and they inspire me immensely so I can't wait to help and be there for them as much as I can. I feel like this is going to be an amazing learning experience for myself and I can't wait to share any inspiring revelations that I have along the way with you.

Speaking of the Children's Hospital, this Wednesday August 4th at Comerica Park is "Children's Health Night" through the hospital and proceeds benefit the social work department. So if you have been wanting to see a Tigers game, this is an excellent night to go.