1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. 12 Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

I pray that you take these words and hide them in your heart. Read them, study them, know them and live them.Add compassion, sincerity,honesty, confidence, joy and love to ALL that you do…..and peace & security will surely follow.

I belong to you and you belong to me……May God’s grace and mercy endure forever…….

To find is to start
to start is to grow
to grow is to live
to live is to love
to love is to find

Happy Valentine’s Day

xoxo,

KE

Change has come to America!

Millions embarked upon DC this past weekend for hope, for encouragement and for history.

This was an extraordinary week for all to have witnessed. This was especially important to the Robinson & Ewing households. There was no other place on earth I would have been on January 20th, except at DC to watch Barack Hussein Obama get sworn in as our 44th president.

Before I go forward, allow me to go backwards.

Although I have been voting since 2000, this was my first time getting involved with my democratic party (correction–the first time I wanted to do something, the first time someone asked for my help). I was inspired to do the right thing, not for me but for our future. I volunteered, registered people to vote, made hundreds of phone calls to republicans, we donated much, and have been a follower of President Obama since his speech at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Boston 2004. I have invested into my future, into my kids, and into our country. I own a part of this and I take this seriously. This was even more special because I able to share this experience with my mother, my father, my sister, my husband, and my son. We were all on the same page….WOW! We all supported the same cause. My sister was heavily involved, she was team manager for one of the offices in South FL. (can’t remember the title), my mother kept up with all the events, every speech, every documentary. My father bought every DVD, watched every debate. My son was recruiting Obama fans at school, he visited the office with me, wore the shirts–he joined the movement. My husband had been pro-Obama since 2004 and when I was standing behind Hilary (years ago) he told me keep my eyes on Barack! He took my voter registration cards to work and registered MEN that never voted (they were in their 30’s, 40’s). My family vested into this. It was such a family affair.

Election Day–Nov. 4th—I was excited the entire day until the evening. I had planned a special evening for my family filled with things that my son would remember for a life time. That evening I was nervous, had butterflies in my stomach, and could barely watch all ten networks as numbers flew in. I started to ponder about America’s future, started to worry about the future and started to consider the possibility of moving out the country, if necessary<as an immigrant, I always have a back up plan>. Around 11pm it was declared that Barack Obama was the president-elect and a sense of relief filled me. And a sense of emotion filled me. Tears of joy!

Nov 5th–the day after–Suddenly, I had a sense of real joy and patriotism. The sun seemed so much brighter to me. While getting my son ready I found it necessary to say the “Pledge of Allegiance” and I asked my son to join in with me. I truly felt American. I got a late start but spent the entire afternoon trying to locate as much newspapers as I could. Took a few hours but I secured three–one for my son, one for my daughter, and one for the scrapbook that I still haven’t made.

Nov. 6th–booked hotel reservations. Anticipating that we might go to DC in January–even though we knew we shouldn’t with the baby!

Sunday, January 18th–Of course, we didn’t leave GA until 10am. instead of the 6am-7am time frame I had set for us. Traveling was uneventful– We arrived in the DC/VA area at 9pm.The feeling of electricity was in the air but my only priority was seeing my sister & father, eating and going to sleep.

Monday, January 19th— We started out at 9am in the morning on the orange line of the Metro. We had to go to pick up tickets for the inauguration. We arrived at the Capitol South-Metro station and joined the long, long line that wrapped two corners by the Cannon Building. We stood outside for four and a half hours in 27* & wind (with two kids). We talked to so much people from all over. CA, WA, NY, FL, etc……young, old, people with pets, kids, with using canes, people in wheelchairs, people suffering from cancer, other illnesses—-everyone shared their stories. Everyone was determined… After receiving the tickets,we had a burst of energy and decided to walk around and sightsee. The street were filled with visitors and everyone was friendly even the police. Although they were not helpful since many of them were helping from other states. We traveled down Independence Avenue. We saw the US Capital, library of congress, Dept. of Education (the no child left behind house), the FAA, National Air & Space Museum, the Smithsonian, the Washington Monument, floats on display for the parade, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Commerce, Department of Treasury, a small snippet of the White House (we could barely see it–but I did see a moving van). We almost was hit by a police officer speeding down 15th street(crazy) the light was red, we had the walk light on) but almost doesn’t count. We walked our feet off–I mean exhausted—and walked back to the Smithsonian Metro station. All I have to say is my baby girl is a trooper. She did such a great job with limited food, limited diaper changes, and so much cold weather. My son had never walked so much in his life–was struggling a little (today’s kids are so different).Anyway, we refreshed ourselves, grabbed some food downtown Arlington, VA and ended the night around 11pm. Even though I didn’t turn in until 2ish. The big day awaits…….

Tuesday, January 20th—Controlled Chaos begins. We were up at 5am with hopes of leaving the hotel at 6am. Today was the no stroller, no knapsack, no food/drink day——I stuffed 2 diapers in a fanny pack with baby wipes in a ziploc bag. My husband stuffed 2-sippee cups in his jacket and a hotel size box of milk. I had baby snacks, toe warmers, foot warmers, and hand warmers in my pockets. We got on the Metro and after 10 minutes realized that every train was filled to capacity and that we wouldn’t get a seat. We rode the Orange line to the Vienna station. We went to the beginning of the route and we able to get seats. Metro had delays–a lady fell on the tracks but was not killed. A metro police saved her by having her stay under the area in front of the tracks–she broke her shoulder. Anyway, our train was delayed, then Metro kept closing several stations at a time to ease station overcrowding (big mistake). We took our chances and exited at the Federal Station which was closest to the “Silver” Section that my father, sister, and son needed. Rick and I believed the hype so that means that we watched from the Mall area with the rest of the unticketed people…..we didn’t bring the stroller, diaper bag, etc…thinking that security was going to be soooooo tight and although it was, it really wasn’t. Yes, I felt safe but they were no security checks, no screens–I guess we the people were scared straight. Anyway, we braved the crowd and pushed through thousands of nice people that were in great spirits. It was freezing and at this time my husband had been carrying the baby in his arms for hours but the moment would soon arrive. Around 11:40–the girls were announced and the crowd went crazy. People were elated, suddenly the temperature didn’t seem that cold…it was about 22* but the sun was out. The crowd booed Bush—Anyway, the sound system sucked, you really couldn’t see that well, not enough TV monitors BUT we were in it…..we felt it……It was obvious that although things were good, DC wasn’t quite prepared for the crowds, the masses,the disabled, people with kids, anything–but no serious complaints—Our new president was sworn in after 12noon and I’m sure by now you know the rest…….We saw Bush fly off into the sunset in his helicopter–lol! People were waving, cursing, and yelling–RONTFL–I honestly didn’t think I would see my family again…….because it took 15 minutes for my text messages to appear. However, we were able to meet up by 1:30pm. They had a different experience…one filled with teamwork, team spirit—the security stopped letting ticketed people in and frustration filled the “Silver” section and over twenty something people kicked down the barricades/fence. People ran into the area–the police backed off and didn’t use any force. Old people were jumping the fence, a 400 lb. man, someone fell on their head, etc….You have to hear them tell it. What an experience!

Anyway, after the iunag. things got really crazy (foot traffic wise)really unorganized but hey, what can I say. There wasn’t an officer in site directing traffic–so thousands of people took to the streets trying to go left, straight, right and that meant NO ONE was moving. I only saw officers in clusters, near huge tour buses, standing around–weird! Frustrating………We walked in circles forever and eventually headed more north toward the Washington Monument away from the major crowds. Phew! We made it…….after a very long day….we walked from DC to VA (only about 4 miles) my husband had been holding the baby for about 12 hours at this point. We walked our happy you what to the Farragut North train station and my feet, hip, and lower back were throbbing! My Dad was amazing—didn’t complain, just went with the flow. I only lost my voice .Praise the Lord, we survived the big day!

Exodus–We left Arlington, VA and headed home at 8am filled with glee. The entire trip took 11 and half hours. Safe and sound….All’s well and ended well.

The vitality of the American spirit will live, flourish, and thrive.

Signed, Sealed, Delivered!

My journey has come full circle ending in DC.I will never forget this experience and will forever share it with my Dad, my son, my husband, my sister and my daughter.

Yes, we did!

It’s been awhile since I have blogged. Spending entirely too much time on Facebook these days.However, I wanted to extend my love to you and wish you the very best of 2009.

Happy New Year!

I choose life. I am going to live. I’m going to live life like there is no tomorrow. I have been holding back all my life. Life is way too short.

There is an easier and better way to enjoy life. We’re not promised tomorrow. Release yourself from the burdens and hardships. Love yourself. Be happy. It’s the best way to honor God.

So go ahead and give yourself permission to live life to the fullest. By all means, if you don’t want to do something, say “No”! Stop trying to please other people and please yourself first.

Lastly, stop putting off things for tomorrow when you can do it today. Go get a bathing suit, go take professional pictures of yourself 30lbs overweight, go get your car waxed, play with your kids, take a cruise with your friends, join Jenny Craig, stop smoking, buy the hybrid, go back to school. Catch my drift.

Love Ya!

K

Have you ever searched for an old friend, lost love, former classmate, relative?

I recently paid for a membership at classmates.com and decided to look up a few high school pals. FUN! I emailed a few people, saw updated photos, and exchanged a couple of digits. My buddies are doing well. Most people stayed home (New York) and settled down with spouses & kids. Some are divorced and a couple of folks are still lost but found. I also added my college to my profile. During the four plus years I spent at college I only managed to develop a handful of close friends. One of those friends was my former roommate. After being inseparable for four years, we had a major falling out and lost touch for ten years. Very unfortunate.

Well, I bumped into an old friend yesterday and it was my long lost buddy (my former roommate). We spoke for hours and I can honestly say that I missed her. This friend was my right hand, my cheerleader, my sister, my best bud. Turns out we live less than three miles from each other and have done so for four years. We are both step-moms, both have a son & a daughter and both have husbands that work entirely too much hours.

We have vowed to keep in touch with each other and have promised to get a drink at “Bahama Breeze” really soon.

Life is too short. Time flies entirely too quickly. It feels great to surround yourself with people who know you the best.  It’s time to locate someone from your  past.

Be Well,

K

Support Obama 08′.

We need your financial contribution of $30 or more before midnight on June 30th.

We need a better AMERICA.

We need to fix the school system.

We need to solve global warming.

We need to create more jobs in the USA.

We need lower health care costs!

We need to end the war in Iraq!

We need a stronger tomorrow.

We need CHANGE!

We need YOU!

WE NEED BARACK OBAMA!

Make a donation of $30 or more by midnight on June 30th and receive a special edition Obama logo T-shirt.

https://donate.barackobama.com

To A Better Future,

K

To “let go” is not to regret the past, but to grow and live for the future.

Many of us will need an inner healing from the Lord on certain issues. Loss of a child, sexual abuse, drug addiction, broken marriages, physical abuse, dysfunctional families, death of a loved one, divorce, a euthanized pet, bad relationships, overeating, bankruptcy and financial ruin, just to name a few.

If you are a victim and someone has severely abused you or injured you, before you can heal you must forgive the person(s) that have hurt you. Before God can move to supernaturally heal you from the pain – you will first have to be willing to fully forgive and let that person go into the hands of God for His vengeance and justice.

Do you realize that God can fully heal your mind, your emotions and your heart?

Believe that God is doing a new thing in your life right now. Stop focusing on the past and begin to see the goodness of God.

Letting go is a natural release. Holding on is an energy drain. Letting go happens effortlessly when there is no other choice. Letting go does not mean giving up.

There is always something higher.

God has a new beginning in store for you! To live a life of victory you have to let go of the past and move beyond disappointments, hurts, pains and failures. God said in Isaiah 43:19, “Behold I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?”

Overcome the past so you can live an abundant life. It’s time to experience hope and victory.

Say goodbye to the past and hello to the present.

What lies ahead can only be good. Things will get better.

It’s time to forgive. To let go is to fear less and to love more.

I let go and let God!

I want to hear from you,

K

I am so disturbed. I was watching the local news and am sad to report that a local teen died last night. This beautiful, smart girl died at home with her family (not in the street, not drinking, not having sex, not breaking curfew). This honor roll student was a “huffer” and her drug of choice was paint. A household item we all have in the house. This young lady ended her life at the precious age of 15. Her parents are devastated.

Parents–our kids need our help!

Huffing is the intentional inhalation of a substance to attain a mental “high” or euphoric effect. Sniffing concentrated amounts of vapors to get high can directly induce heart failure and death within minutes of repeated inhalations. “Sudden sniffing death” is usually associated with the abuse of butane, propane, gasoline, and gases and vapors found in any number of common household products. Data shows that an estimated 1.1 million adolescents used inhalants in the past year, even though huffing can be fatal. The 2000 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse revealed that the primary population of inhalant abusers is the 12 to 17 age group, followed by the 18 to 25 year old population. In 2000, 18% of eighth graders admitted having used inhalants (huffing) at least once in their lifetime. Wake up out there; if this study took place in the year 2000 how much worse are the numbers now? Parents are not discussing the risk of inhalant abuse with their teens as frequently as they discuss other substances, like cigarettes, alcohol, or marijuana. While 75 percent report discussing the risks of cigarettes “a lot” with their teen, only 50 percent report spending the same amount of time discussing the risks of inhalant abuse “a lot” with their teen. Inhalants produce an effect that may be similar to alcohol intoxication.

Initial symptoms described by abusers who were “huffing” include:

• drowsiness,
• lightheadedness, and
• loss of inhibition.

Further use can lead to the following:

• dizziness,
• hallucinations or delusions,
• belligerence,
• apathy, and
• impaired judgment.

Long-term inhalant abusers can suffer damaging health consequences including:

• depression and mood changes,
• weight loss,
• inattentiveness,
• lack of coordination,
• irritability, and
• weakness.

More serious consequences can include permanent damage to the brain and other organs or even death. Sudden cardiac death from fatal cardiac arrhythmias has been reported even in teen inhalant abusers. Death from huffing can occur upon the first time of use, or after prolonged inhalant abuse. Other causes of death include asphyxiation, aspiration, or suffocation. Chronic inhalant abuse may result in serious and sometimes irreversible damage to the user’s heart, liver, kidneys, lungs, and brain. Brain damage may result in personality changes, diminished cognitive functioning, memory impairment, and slurred speech. The Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) Medical Examiner data revealed that inhalants were involved in over 500 deaths in the United States from 1996 to 1999. Substances commonly used by inhalant abusers fall into several categories:

• Volatile solvents, such as those found in paint thinner, gasoline, felt-tip markers, nail polish remover, glue, and other household products.
• Aerosol sprays containing propellants and solvents. Examples include spray paint, deodorant, and hair care products.
• Gases, most commonly nitrous oxide (laughing gas).
• Nitrites, a group of chemicals that are used in room deodorizers, are more often abused by those seeking sexual enhancement rather than a euphoric state. Nitrites are most commonly abused by adults.

Parents of teens need to be especially vigilant about signs of inhalant abuse (huffing), since the abused substances are simple household items. These substances are also easily purchased and inexpensive, making them attractive to curious teens. In addition to signs of intoxication, parents should be warned of potential inhalant abuse by sores and scratches around the mouth area along with the presence of unusual odors.

Log on to www.drugfree.org for more information.

Let us be proactive and not reactive. Don’t accept it that your wonderful, funny child is spending more & more time behind closed doors. Don’t allow your beautiful teen to isolate themselves in your home without checking on them. Go and open their bedroom door and let them know that you care about them. Tell them from now on doors are open when friends are over and doors are ajar during waking hours. Another dangerous trend is the “pass out” game. That’s when teenagers use belts, ties, bags, their own hands, or any other item that can cause oxygen deprivation. Pressure is applied to blood vessels or oxygen to the lungs is cut off, causing a reduction of oxygen to the heart and brain. The blood pressure is reduced and the body begins the process of dying. Discuss huffing, oxycontin abuse, and the teen “pass out/choking game” tonight. Seriously. While you’re at it, have this conversation with their friends too. Get to know the friends a little better while you’re at it. My son is 8 years old and I just had “the huffing talk” and “passing out talk” with him. I will have this conversation with him and his friends when they gather here on Saturday.

Log on to www.kidsbesafeonline.com/thechokinggame for more information on the choking game.

Blessings to you and your beautiful children,

K

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FEAR, of course.

Les Brown
Too many of us are not living our dreams because we are living our fears.

Fear is the big roadblock, the massive wall in the middle of road that keeps us from getting what we want in life.

Are you struggling with fear?

1 Peter 5:7 says, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

The fear I’m talking about today is the fear of rejection, failure, and the unknown.

Please join me today as I let go of fear and anxiety.

For my years I have denied myself success, joy, and peace. I didn’t pursue many job opportunities because I doubted my abilities. As I think back i realize that I have hindered myself and it saddens me. Wasted opportunity! Where was my confidence, my inner-power? I have had many dreams, desires, and goals. I admit I have talked myself out of so much. Why was my negative self talk louder than my dream? Why didn’t I apply for the job that payed $75K instead applying for the job that paid $55k. Was I afraid of rejection, afraid that I would get the job and couldn’t perform, afraid of being of of my comfort zone? I don’t want to live a life of what ifs, or regrets. My list goes on and on…..I didn’t even try to get the new car, more furniture, a promotion, a bigger house. Why? Why? Why?

Rudyard Kipling
Of all the liars in the world, sometimes the worst are your own fears.

Below are five tips that I’m using to help overcome fear, anxiety, and doubt. I hope it helps you too.

1) AVOID NEGATIVE SELF TALK

Negative self-talk plants the seedlings of uncertainty, meaning that it will cause your goals to become clouded with anxiety. Drop the words can’t and won’t from your vocabulary and replace them with words like can and will.

2) SURROUND YOURSELF AROUND POSITIVE PEOPLE WHO HAVE A SIMILAR GOAL

Connect with others who are like-minded. Surrounding yourself around others who have a positive attitude with similar interests will keep you on track to fulfill your goal.

3) LET GO OF INSECURITY

Visualize yourself winning in life. Focus your energy on success and accomplishment. Allow change and growth. Take risks.

4)Exercise

This truly works wonders. Exercise replaces those “fear hormones” in your body with hormones that promote strength and power for longer periods of time.

5) Don’t take failure personally

Failure is about outcome and results.Think of failure as a learning experience. What did you learn from the experience that will help you in the future? How can you use the experience to improve yourself or your situation?

James F. Bell
Fear is met and destroyed with courage.

A change in how you view failure can make a big difference in your life. Take control of fear and don’t let it take control of you anymore.

Are you struggling with fear?

Psalm 34:4 says, “I sought the LORD, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.”

God wants to release us, so ask Him! Why not take that fear to God? If you’ve never had a relationship with Him before, you can begin one right now.

More to come on this topic…

Blessings,

K

It’s 5:27pm (est.)

Shameful… I have been home all day watching 20/20 on We. My husband went to work and is now home. Hungry, I’m sure. I guess I get the bad wife award today because I still don’t know what I’m cooking for dinner tonight.

I must admit that I made a fabulous meal on Father’s Day. I went to Publix, Kroger, and Walmart supermarkets to make sure my husband had his favorites. The menu consisted of lobster, halibut(thanks Charm), colossal scallops, crab/lobster cakes, with rice pilaf, vegetable medley, mashed potatoes and sparkling apple cider. For dessert I picked up cheesecake, haagen-daaz, and a Carvel ice-cream cake. That was Sunday- today I’m fresh out of ideas.

Everyone will be hungry within 45 minutes. I better go in the kitchen and whip up some magic. I have stuffed sole in the freezer and thank God I’m getting creative.

What are u making for dinner tonight?

Talk to you soon,

K