Faith found in despair

If tomorrow is Judgment Day

And I'm standing on the front line
And the Lord asks me what I did with my life
I will say I spent it with you

Yesterday, Saturday 3:55pm PST, one of the world's best female vocalists Whitney Houston passed away at 48 years old. Initially, my reaction was of shock & awe. Denying the validity, thinking this can't be true...unfortunately, it was true.

Whitney is a musical icon. She was blessed with a moving and powerful voice. She was beautiful, talented, loving, and human. Despite her struggles and tribulations, the doubts and frustrations, she shared her gifted voice with the world and I am grateful to have enjoyed it.

As the years they pass us by,
We stay young through each other's eyes
And no matter how old we get
It's okay as long as I got you baby

I pray that I will be blessed to see another day and have the opportunity to share Whitney's gifts with future generations. People may say whatever they want about her; the truth is NONE of them who speak negatively about her actually knew her. I didn't know her personally, she never her inner life with her fans, the only thing she shared was her voice and we all must remember that.

'Cause your love is my love
And my love is your love
It would take an eternity to break us
And the chains of Amistad couldn't hold us

God, I ask you to bless Whitney's soul. I pray you welcome her into your kingdom, enjoy her voice as she joins in singing your praises and forgive her of her transgressions.

We all are guilty and unworthy of God's love & grace, but He still sees His glory in us and blesses us with the life we have to cherish. I ask us to be grateful, appreciative, and loving to each other as none of us is promised to see a new day. Whitney never got the chance to see today's sun, but her love is my love...music.

Love,

MJ

*** LATE BREAKING NEWS REPORT ***

Greetings Citizens!
I felt it imperative to share this late breaking news development (in a cool format):

"TIME MARCHES ON NEVER ENDING
TIME KEEPS ITS OWN TIME"

This week has been constant and unrelentingly crazy. By Friday, I was at my wits end with the chaos at work and personal disparity with my here and now.

Here we stand at the beginning
as THEN goes passing us by

While talking to one of my buddy's, John, who is 20, suddenly my spirit QUANTUM LEAPED into my dad's body (anytime 1998-2002) and there John was me and I was my dad. At 20 or anytime therein, I had an incredible list of things I was going to do with my life personally and professionally. What son wouldn't want his father to feel excitement when his boy is planning for his future? In virtually every case, my burning fiery passions were dowsed with a sincere, yet "youthful ignorance" sigh, followed with a helping of his "truths" of reality.
OH NO! I realized, I was my dad. In my 20's, I vowed never to discourage my future children with my dream-crushing "wisdom". Granted, life will offer lots of examples to learn from, this was one I'm still conflicted about, but with certainty I can share that parents are not always masterful with the art of timing, so forgive them later - you will see as time continue marching on, keeping its own time.

I hope I'm in a better state
When HERE and NOW crumbles and falls

Once returning back from the Leap, I offered an abrupt apology. Silent and confused, John didn't understand what just happened. Perhaps he'd never heard some of the things I've heard, or maybe he is 20 and bursting with wide-eyed possibilities for the future. My soul was not going to permit my mind from raining on his parade with my version of reality. Doing so would be completely unfair. So, instead I insisted he continue and ejected any predetermined thoughts as to maintain an open heart and mind. Afterwards, I felt GREAT - like I was 17, again.

Where do we go from here?
Tomorrow means nothing at all,
If we don't hear the line when TODAY places its call

Today is Sunday and I spent the last couple of days desperately needing to regain my happiness. So after a couple of conversations with close friends, a few prayers, and sincere desire to return the high energy that was around yesterday (i.e. in my 20's), my solution is to reject the wrongs you cannot change, and celebrate the rights you have created or been given today...because tomorrow may or may not come.
I know that many believe this is an easy fix situation and would have come to that conclusion immediately, but it's not so easy for me. I'm sensitive to a degree. Self discovery and development are real priorities to my being. I actively use my emotions. I have never been able to perfectly manage my feelings.

****** Further developments in our Late Breaking Report ***** Mike Jones says, "YES, I admit to the everyone and everything that is, was, and what will be...I AM A MAN WITH FEELINGS!" After the initial announcement he asked, " You wanna hug it out now?" Ending with a suggestion "Let's hug it out!"

Morning will never be the same and
I won't make the same mistakesTIME and TIME AGAIN

So my message to everyone today and tomorrow is not of self-loathing or my incessant need to to bore you with my personal craziness, but a offering of hope and support. Simply a reassurance that you  can overcome your feelings of disappointment with a refocus on the bigger picture and getting yourself in the right frame of mind again. They say, God always forgives us, but we can't seem to forgive ourselves?

No matter where this life's journey takes you
You gotta keep moving on
You gotta keep fighting on
You gotta keep staying strong
OVER and OVER again

One Love,

MJ

Chili Jones (1995 - 2011)

Hello Blog Buddies:

I am sad to say that this morning @ 3:30am, my friend, my baby, my 15 1/2 year old cat, Chili passed away.

After a brief period of heartbreak & terrible pain I composed myself & started reflecting on the awesome times we shared throughout this journey called life.

On September 17, 1995, while sleeping after an evening of studying for exams in high school, her mom gave birth to her in my bed next to me. She was the first of two other siblings, I was creeped out by this wet ball of black fur ...that ball of black fur was soon to be named, Chili.

Our family has so many memories of her that one day I will share, but forgive me as now it's my time to cope with her passing. She was part of our family, she deserved to be acknowledged - so this is for her.

I already miss her, but I remembered everything, everyone, everywhere ends. These words make her departure understandable, but unfortunately, doesn't make it less painful.

My peace comes from The Bible. It says heaven is full of living creatures that have breath, including horses, oxen, eagles, etc.. So, in my final hour here, as I'm called into God's glorious heaven, I am comforted to be there with Him, with all of you & everything we all loved too.

Back from the Ultimate 12-day Caribbean Cruise on Celebrity Equinox

Greetings citizens!

Today, I just concluded my 12-day ultimate cruise experience onboard Celebrity Equinox. I got 10 bagillion pictures that will soon be uploaded, but wanted to give you a quick taste of the Caribbean with this sample.

Hope you enjoy it...coz I have tons to share!

GLORIOUS is HE!

I'm sitting here crying because I felt God tonight! While speaking with my friend Brian about some financial businesses he's been going through, something took over my body and words of LOVE overwhelmed me.

What I felt and said could not be explained, except with WOW! I couldn't say anything without hyperventilating because it was so much to handle. It felt amazing! Better than electricity...it felt divine.

The primary message I took out and said repeatedly to my friend was "BE GRATEFUL to God for He put you through hell and fire so you would grow closer to Him. "

Everything we're provided good/bad, whatever the case is to help us grow. Sometimes we falter & must re-live some bad times if we failed to learn what we needed to learn. Wow, this was something we can share with everyone we encounter.

Looking back over your life and where you are today. Why wouldn;t you be singing how awesome God is for loving you so much to giving you today! When given today, what have you learned? How did you make someone feel loved? What did you share with another? Who would you like bring along your journey tomorrow (if given tomorrow)? Where do you want to leave your legacy to share the glory of God that thrives within you and all of us?

Be kind, Be loving, Be human, and Be grateful because you are loved more than you can imagine.

Love,

Michael

It's been awhile, but I'm still here

Greetings Citizens!

Yes, it's been awhile since I last posted about the upcoming Verizon iPhone 4. Now, did I get one? Sorry to say, I did not...but why you ask? Simply because the iPhone 5 may be released this summer and why waste my time/energy on last year's model when I can embrace the Brand Spankin' New iPhone. Yup, I still have some common sense, thanks Spallo for the clarity!

OK, but I really want to share are some best practices taught to me over the past 32-years of my life by my parents, friends, family, life experiences, etc.. I hope you find these statements to be valuable in your life:

• "Do unto others as you'd have them do onto you"
• "Every day we're given the opportunity to learn something new and if we don't we will be forced to relive the experience until we do learn something"
• "The things you own end up owning you"
• "Life is a Journey. Enjoy the ride!"
• "You can't change nobody but YOU!"

Now friends, whatever challenges you may be facing, remember that if you face each obstacle with an open heart and everything you say and do are from love the world will be right as rain.

Take care! Be safe! Love today and every day!

Mike

iPhone is landing in the hands of Verizon

What is this? Finally, after years of torment and pain with BlackBerry and newly launched Droid phones, ladies & gentlemen - introducing the ALL NEW Verizon iPhone!!!

Yes, I know AT&T had the iPhone for years, but many have verbalized their displeasure with the hap-hazard service from the once exclusive provider...now Apple & Verizon have teamed up first with the iPad & now in 2011, the iPhone.

It's been a long time since I've gotten excited about an electronic device. I already have my home loaded with Apple products, now this should complete the set. OK, I'm totally geeked up!!! I'm pumped! Even if I have to send one of my direct reports to wait in line to get it - I want one.

Today, I even tried to convince a guy at Best Buy to let me pre-order one with the help of my pal Ben Franklin, but was unsuccessful...he didn't know when it would be available. Well, I've befriended a guy at the local Verizon store & I hope this will yield my eager hands the chance to boldly showcase my new Verizon iPhone.

Stay tuned for more live, late breaking developments on this topic...reporting live from Kansas City, I'm Mike Jones for KCTV5 News!

Wow, 2010 comes to a close...

Greetings citizens:

Can you believe we are almost at the end of 2010? Where did the year go? Not sure about you, but wanted to recap very briefly about this year and all the lessons I've learned from everyone I know:

1. Life is precious and it's slipping away - every day is a great day when you get to see it!
2. Friends come and Friends you let go - YOU are IMPORTANT enough to be respected!
   
3. No matter where you travel in life - this world and it's story is awesome!
4. Be honorable, respectful, and humble - it's amazing what GREAT things can manifest!
5. Love yourself and stop taking yourself so seriously!
   

I know this wasn't comprehensive, but this is a great reflection of how much I have learned and how far I've become in a year. This has been a year of growth and development. I'm happy with each experience presented to me and recognize I'm much better for them.

I've traveled around, been to many places. I've made new friends and so many new faces. I've had fun running into the sunset, splashed around in the crystal blue grotto, tasted the foods of other cultures, and lost myself in the stories of others.

This year has been a blessing and wish all of you a positive 2010 and even more exciting 2011. Celebrate you this moment and remember you are something to remember now and forever!

Much love,

Mike

Color. That's Holiday 2010! Jump onboard...

Feel the Rhythm

Greetings Citizens:

OK, so today is October 9th and I pretty much slept all day because of a mad crazy week. Tonight, I'm again trying to figure out how to play poker. Again? Yea, because I've been shown a few times but this time I'm really committed to learning the game for all it's worth.

Before I jet out to get taken for all I've got - I decided to thump a few tunes on the iPod. It's funny how after about 5+ years you accumulate all this random music that you have disregarded but when you sudden hear the great beats you once loved, it brings a smile to your face.

I'm rocking out to some old school beats from the late 80's and early 90's. So, whatever you do tonight, tomorrow, or in the future - don't take yourself so seriously, enjoy the moment, and whatever you do - forget the past and enjoy this moment!!!

Feel the rhythm come over you and have a real good time! Sing out loud, dance like nobody's watching, and bring harmony into your world.

That's with love - always! ;)

Mike

He believes in You & Me

Greetings Citizens:

Have you ever heard the statement, God doesn't give you more than what He thinks you can handle? If not, have you heard, Be careful of what you wish for because it just might come true? Well, this week was a great example of that!

My boss is pregnant with twins and she asked me offline if I could do something for her - she is 7-months along in her pregnancy and her doctor has ordered her to remain at home for the duration until the boys arrive.

For the next 4-6 months, she wants me to fill in for her. Of all 8 direct reports, she has asked me. Part of my responsibilities will be to keep the region moving forward, achieving great successes, and continue with my team's award winning success.

Privately, this has been something I've considered for some time. I'm interested in learning more about her position and that opportunity has come true. As I promised to her and now to you, I promise to not let her down. I promise to do the very best I can do, and welcome her return to a team that is equally if not more engaged.

I must remind myself that my job is to wow, inspire, amuse, and delight the team that I'm directly responsible for and now the entire region. Because I will do a great job, additional options will become available to me, that will include additional advancements and wonderful learning experiences.

My love and appreciation is always to God for believing in me and permitting me the chance to project the glory of Him that lives within me...it also lives in you!

Mike

YOU!

Recently, I have been feeling a bit out of place albeit disconnected from the world around me.

After speaking to my life-coach Nicholas, he reminded me of something spectacular and unique about me I have the ability to overcome all kinds of obstacles. Each one of us has this ability, but I have figured out how to control this intangible aspect of life.

I was quickly reminded about the benefits my life has brought to the world around me:

1) I am greater than the things that bring me down
2) I am stronger than the steel that constructs a building
3) I am better than those who eject positivity
4) I am wiser than people 40+ years my senior
5) I am brighter than the sun that illuminates the solar system
6) I am larger than the tallest mountain
7) I am cooler than a cold winter breeze

As I listened with an open mind, I felt a resurgence in my soul. It was something I could compare only to electricity. Yea, electricity! The energy surged through my soul and I felt liberated.

Standing at this precipice, we can decide which direction we are going to take. Life is really simple if you think about it...it's all about decisions Left, Right, Up, Down. That's it. We overly complicate Life, but if we reduce it to it's most simplistic - its pretty damn simple.

Overcome any obstacle thrown your way with a positive attitude and see the people of the world quickly follow.