There and Back Again:Reflections on the Road to Restoration

Allow Me To Reintroduce Myself

2012-01-31T18:49:00.001-08:00

It's been a while since I have posted anything on this blog. I had moved on to greener pastures (tumblr), or so I though. While I love the functionality of tumblr I missed a lot of the features here at home. While I do have my issues with Blogger, I'm still here. I haven't decided to jump-ship to Word Press so here we are blogging on Blogger. Stayed tuned for posts to come.

Amazon: Help Support Mexico Missions

2011-11-26T17:35:00.001-08:00

Below you will find my Amazon affiliate link. Every purchase that you make through this link will help toward my annual missions trip to Lily of the Valley Orphanage in Mexico.

Amazon Link: CLICK HERE

Made the Switch to tumblr

2011-11-11T22:52:00.001-08:00

I am currently in the process of switching my domain hosting from blogger to tumblr. Until then, please follow me at www.christianfmonzon.tumblr.com. I will no longer be posting here. All future post will be made on tumblr. Blessings.

LES Community Coat & Sweater Drive

2011-10-18T10:55:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday a brother from my church made a call. He informed us that he works at a residential transitional facility on the Lower East Side of Manhattan and that the residents there were in need of male and female coats and sweaters. This is an incredible opportunity for us to serve the community in a very practical way. Please consider helping us answer the call. The details of the coat drive are as follows:

Who: Friends and family (or anyone reading this post in the area that wants to help).

What: Coat and Sweater Drive (male/female)

When: Sunday, October 23, 2011 From 10AM-2PM

Where: PS/MS 34 Franklin Delano Roosevelt

730 East 12th St., New York, NY 10002

12th Street and Avenue D

How: Please bring your gently worn coats and sweaters to the above mentioned location at the specified time.

Thank you so much for your participation in helping to make a difference in the community.

Pick up service (within the five boroughs) will be available on Wednesday, October 19th and Thursday, October 20th.

Please contact: info@christianfmonzon.com for further details.

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[Ed. Note: The views expressed, by the author on this website does not necessarily reflect the views of Abounding Grace Ministries. The content of the blog is the opinion of the blogger, and is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company or individual.]

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Abounding Grace Ministries on TBN: Where Grace Abounds

2011-10-03T13:20:00.000-07:00

Several weeks ago Abounding Grace Ministries was featured on Trinity Broadcasting Network's Praise the Lord show which was hosted by Jeremy Del Rio. Pastor Rick Del Rio, Pastor Louis Carlo and others share their history, heart, and vision for God's children in New York City's Lower East Side and beyond.

Take a moment to discover Where Grace Abounds.

Pastor Rick Del Rio's Toolbox: Going Deeper

2011-09-20T20:08:00.000-07:00

[Ed. Note: The views expressed, by the author on this website does not necessarily reflect the views of Abounding Grace Ministries. The content of the blog is the opinion of the blogger, and is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company or individual.]

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Since the beginning of 2011 there has been a radical transfiguration occurring at Abounding Grace Ministries both corporately and individually due in part to starting the year with concerted praying and fasting. The results have been transformation, growth and spiritual maturity.

To that end, there are several resources that my Pastor, Rev. Richard Del Rio has put together, that when consistently used promote growth. I have come to refer to these resources as Pastor Rick’s Toolbox.

Pastor Rick’s Toolbox consists of four items. (Click on list to Download)

The Armor of God

Paul’s Prayers

God is…

Who I Am…

The Bible says, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Ephesians 6:12) If we are going to be effective in defending against attacks and engaging in battle we need to be equipped to do so. And God has provided us with the tools. When we utilize these tools correctly and consistently we can expect to see results. Transformation, growth, and spiritual maturity are all byproducts of spending time with God on a regular basis. While the Bible also says, "In this world you will have trouble" (John 16:33b) when you have a firm foundation in the Word of God, you are better equipped to respond to these troubles.

Starting your day by putting on the Armor of God, praying the Prayers of Paul, and reminding yourself of Who God Is and Who You Are in Christ will radically transform your spiritual climate. This will also assist you in bringing meaningful change within your sphere of influence.

Going through the entire process takes all of ten minutes, but it may be the best ten-minute investment you make all day. While these ten minutes shouldn’t be the only time that you spent with God, it’s an amazing way to start your day. One of the associate Pastors of Abounding Grace Ministries made a very profound comment several months ago. She said, “In this Christian walk, you determine your own rate of growth.” If you are not consistently and purposefully spending time with God, expecting transformation, growth and spiritual maturity is an unrealistic expectation. "Come near to God and he will come near to you." (James 4:8a)

“The desperate need for today is not for a greater number of intelligent people, or gifted people, but deep people.” –Richard Foster; Celebration of Discipline

Starting your day by utilizing Pastor Rick's Toolbox will unequivocally help deepen your relationship with God and with others.

CLICK HERE to listen or download Pastor Rick's first message of 2011 entitled "Setting Goals with Boundaries."

Question: What tools in your spiritual toolbox do you utilize on a daily basis? You can leave a comment below.

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Adele "Rolling in the Deep" Cover

2011-09-14T23:40:00.000-07:00

This makes me smile!

Adele "Rolling in the Deep" cover. I feel the love! Can you?

2011 Mexico Missions: Refreshing Blessings

2011-06-26T20:17:00.000-07:00

Several weeks ago the most amazing thing happened to me. As I was preparing to pick up my daughter following our Sunday Celebration Service at Abounding Grace Ministries, a sister came up to me and asked if I was going to Mexico this year with the Abounding Grace Missions team. When I told her that I was, she blessed me with a hundred dollars toward the trip. I proceeded to thank her and hugged her, twice. She told he that she had made some extra money this week, that her rent was paid, and that she felt led to give toward someone's trip. Upon asking the Lord to reveal to her who she should bless, she opened her eyes and she said, there I was. What a privilege it is to be on the receiving end of a blessing.

"A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed." Proverbs 11:25 (New International Version, ©2011)

If you are interested in partnering with me this year as I prepare for my missions trip to Lily of the Valley Orphanage please contact me at: info@christianfmonzon.com Prayers are greatly appreciated and very much needed. Financial contributions are awesome too. No amount is to small (or large). All donations are tax deductible. Thank you in advance for your support.

Below is short video documenting last years missions trip. Prayerfully consider how you can help.

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How I Spent Father's Day 2011

2011-06-20T11:38:00.000-07:00

I had such an amazing Father's Day! Every year my incredible wife and daughter make sure that I have a wonderful day. This year my daughter's annual ballet performance was scheduled on Father's Day and initially I wasn't to excited about that. I felt like Chrystie Street Ballet Academy hijacked my day. My wife even told me that one father, after he pulled his daughter out of this years performance due to the scheduling, had a snippy exchange with the director.

As it turns out, the performance was the highlight of my day. Watching the culmination of my daughter's hard work, dedication, and commitment through her performance on stage was almost magical. She was graceful, beautiful (as always), and did an absolutely amazing job. I am so proud of her accomplishment.

Following the performance my family and I went to Ferrara's in Little Italy to celebrate Lymarie's performance and Father's Day and I had an epiphany. If I had to share "my day" with anyone, why not share it with the most amazing daughter a father could ever ask for? After all, she is the reason why I'm celebrating Father's Day to begin with. I consider it an honor and a privilege to be her father. Below is a video showcasing her performance should you wish to watch it.

After a quick pit stop to our place we headed to my Mom's apartment and further enjoyed each other's company. Lymarie (with a little assistance from Baba) made pizza for us to snack on from scratch that was incredibly delicious. If that wasn't enough, my wife even went and grabbed us some dinner from one of our favorite restaurants in the neighborhood, Joslito's.

Thank you to everyone that contributed to my amazing Father's Day. I love and appreciate each of you immensely. Thanks Jenny, Lymarie, Mom (Daisy), Nabil, Katrina, Carmen, Roberto and Hannah. You guys rock!

Question: How did you spend your Father's Day this year?

The beautiful charging station that Lymarie built and painted for me.

My daughter really loves me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So blessed by this shirt!

Talk to the Hand...

2011-03-31T07:34:00.000-07:00

This makes me happy!

When Moving Goes Wrong

2011-03-10T14:32:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a very interesting day. Aside from my sister having a squirrel in her apartment, I had quite a misadventure. I had to pick up an entertainment center that my wife and I purchased from Housing Works in Gramercy and move it to my place. Check the videos below to hear all about it! The video on the bottom of the post was recorded from my BlackBerry in the back of the moving truck! Pardon the quality, or lack thereof.

Misadventures in Moving from Christian Monzon on Vimeo.

Dr. Louis Carlo: "Doing a Great Work"-Nehemiah

2011-03-08T18:52:00.000-08:00

To share, email or download click the menu button on the mini player.

Raging Moses: Blue Sweats Red Dirt-The Mixtape FREE DOWNLOAD

2011-03-08T07:42:00.000-08:00

Blue Sweats Red Dirt - The Mixtape by Raging Moses is out and available for FREE DOWNLOAD . While you're there, feel free to download RM's debut LP "When Kings Go To War." If you're a fan of Hip-Hop, authentic lyricism, and uncontrollable head-nodding you will not be disappointed! I guarantee it. Tell a friend to tell a friend!

Pastor Louis Carlo Ministers at CCDA: Amazing Worship

2011-02-23T09:13:00.000-08:00

Listen as Pastor Louis Carlo of Abounding Grace ministers at a Christian Community Development Association conference. Please be mindful that this video was uploaded from an Android smartphone. However, I believe that the poor video and audio quality of this upload aren't enough to hinder the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

This upload was found on the World News website under Amazing Worship. Be blessed!

Mr. J. Medeiros: "Nothing Without Providence"

2011-02-17T17:13:00.000-08:00

Ladies and gentleman, here it is, the debut single off of Mr. J. Medeiros' third album "Saudade" entitled "Nothing Without Providence." The track was produced by The Stare which is comprised of Mr. J, Stro the 89th Key and Luke Atencio. Each of the producers are phenomenal musicians in their own right but they've come together to create a certified banger. I haven't heard any of the other songs on the album, but with that combination of talent "Saudade" should prove to be a breath of fresh air!

Mr. J. Medeiros has done a bio series which is up to part three entitled "The Underground Chronicles of Mr. J. Medeiros" for thewordisbond.com. If you're not familiar with him, take a few minutes to get to know the brother and show some support to an independent passionate musician! He also documented the recording process of "Saudade" which can be seen at his website mrjmedeiros.com. The vlog series is quite entertaining and gives you a glimpse into the bluesweats lab and into the minds of The Stare.

I hope you enjoy this as much as i did. One love!

Mr.J.Medeiros - Nothing Without Providence (prd. by Word Is Bond

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NYC: Now is the Time!

2011-02-07T09:01:00.000-08:00

For more information regarding the "Now is the Time" Prayer, Service, and Scripture Engagement initiative click here.

Missions Trip Planning 101: Heartwork-The Short Film

2011-01-10T18:40:00.000-08:00

I found this amazing short film at desperationband.com and it never ceases to move me. Enjoy, Pray, and Get BUSY!

"Only in heaven will we see how much we owe to the poor for helping us to love God better because of them."-Mother Teresa

it. from Heartwork on Vimeo.

Pastor Richard Del Rio's 1st Message of 2011: Setting Goals with Boundaries

2011-01-09T14:17:00.000-08:00

Listen as Rev. Richard Del Rio of Abounding Grace Ministries shares his first message of 2011 entitled "Setting Goals with Boundaries." If it blesses you as it has blessed me, please take a moment to send him an encouraging email. It just might make his day.

Hit of the Week: I Love My Hair!!! A Father's Tribute to His Daughter.

2010-11-01T07:21:00.000-07:00

This made the news a week or two ago and I absolutely fell in love with it. To READ the NPR post click here. Being the head writer for Sesame Street sure does have its perks! To Lymarie, Jenny and all the girls/women of the world that do not have what is commonly referred to as "good-hair" I LOVE YOUR HAIR! I LOVE YOUR HAIR! I REALLY LOVE YOUR HAIR!

The Monzon 2010 AG Missions 'Thank You' Flick

2010-10-18T14:21:00.000-07:00

The following is a short video that Jenny and I sent out to the individuals and families that partnered with us in preparation for the 2010 Abounding Grace Missions trip to the Lily of the Valley orphanage in Mexico this past August. I thought that it might minister to you as well.

We are currently praying and preparing for next year's trip and if anyone is interested in partnering with us in that endeavor feel free to contact me at info@christianfmonzon.com

The Monzon 2010 Missions Trip "Thank You" Flick! from Christian Monzon on Vimeo.

Reaching Out: A Sacred Assembly

2010-10-13T12:48:00.000-07:00

Abounding Grace Ministries invites you to:

A day of fasting and prayer by the Church for the Lower East Side. Doors open at 7:00PM.

"Declare a holy fast; call a sacred assembly. Summon the elders and all who live in the land to the house of the LORD your God, and cry out to the LORD." Joel 1:14

Brothers and Sisters,

We believe the hour has come for the Church of the Lower East Side to stand united as the Body of Christ and intercede for our community. This time of intercession will be birthed out of corporate worship and a day of fasting. Our prayer is that God will forgive our sins, heal our land and show the Lower East Side how great and awesome He is. We want God our King to receive all the glory as he establishes his kingdom in us and through us.

Please consider joining us on October 29 at 7:30PM for Reaching Out: A Sacred Assembly.

Peace, Justice and Love!

Rev. Louis A. Carlo

When:

Friday, October 29 · 7:30pm - 9:30pm

Location:

East Side Tabernacle

254 East 2nd St.

New York, NY 10009

Are You Feeding The Roaring Lion?

2010-09-29T22:14:00.000-07:00

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." --1 Peter 5:8 NKJV

Are you protecting your children from the roaring lion? Or do you willfully allow your children to contaminate themselves with popular culture? I'm not promoting legalism, but JAZ definitely hits the nail on the head with his observations about pop culture icons and the smut that they peddle. Take a moment and listen for yourself.

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Do You Know What Today Is?

2010-09-26T13:19:00.000-07:00

Today, Jenny and I celebrate our seven year wedding anniversary! The Lord has blessed me with an amazing wife and words couldn't ever really express that. But I'll try.

Thank you for loving me Jenny. It is an honor to be your husband. You epitomize sacrificing for those you love and Lymarie and I are so blessed to have you in our lives. Here's to a lifetime of creating memories! I love you!

ALOE BLACC’S "GURU" TRIBUTE WITH MIGUEL ATWOOD-FERGUSON ENSEMBLE

2010-09-23T11:07:00.000-07:00

This was originally posted on the DJ Premier Blog and I couldn't help but repost it. It is such an amazing piece of music. "Deliver the Word" was sampled by Gang Starr's DJ Premier on the song "Betrayal" off of the Moment of Truth LP.

Miguel Atwood-Ferguson Ensemble "Deliver the Word" feat Aloe Blacc from Miguel Atwood-Ferguson on Vimeo.

Track Leak: The Rap Apostle "Nightmare"

2010-09-20T06:38:00.000-07:00

The following is a leaked draft of the song "Nightmare" that will be featured on The Rap Apostle's sophomore LP entitled Street Preaching. The track was produced by Discipline Beats.

Nightmare Draft by TheRapApostle

The Genius of Homeless Beauty and The Good Virus

2010-09-14T23:27:00.000-07:00

The following is a song that I CANNOT stop listening to. It's very reminiscent of the track "You'll Find a Way" off of Dead Prez's debut album Let's Get Free.

"Homeless Beauty" the lead track off of the album The Good Virus is the brainchild of composer/producer/DJ Luke Atencio and American/Italian Jazz trumpeter/composer J. Kyle Gregory collaboratively known as BiosLumen. If you are not familiar with them, follow the links and spend some time getting to know them. I guarantee you will not be disappointed. While you are at it, you may consider downloading the album. It very well may be the best eight dollars that you spend all week.

Click here to read the story behind BiosLmen.

In the coming weeks I will have the honor of interviewing Luke Atencio to further discuss BiosLumen and The Good Virus. Be on the lookout for that!

<a href="http://lukeatencio.bandcamp.com/track/homeless-beauty">Homeless Beauty by Luke Atencio</a>

Wise Words of the Week: Jim Henson

2010-09-14T06:58:00.000-07:00

As of late I'm realizing how much of an impact Jim Henson has had on the world. One of his goals was to leave the world a little better than he found it. And that he did. And while my daughter is absolutely freaked out by the Muppets, Fraggle Rock, and the Dark Crystal, these works of art, I realize now, have all had a impact on my life. I'm so blessed to have been able to grow up in the time of Jim Henson.

I'm currently reading "It's Not Easy Being Green: And Other Things To Consider" by Jim Henson, the Muppets, and friends and I highly recommend it. It's a treasure trove of knowledge and wisdom all wrapped up in Jim Henson's signature brand of humor. It's definitely worth adding to the collection but if not at least check it out from your local library. It will take all of a day or two to finish it.

Here's to you Jim Henson. Thank you for daring to be green!

"The attitude you have as a parent is what your kids will learn from more than what you tell them. They don't remember what you try to teach them. They remember what you are." - Jim Henson, p.113

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Hip-Hop Hit of the Week: J.A.Z. "Ready to Go"

2010-09-08T09:50:00.000-07:00

J.A.Z. "Ready to Go"

Lymarie's First Day of First Grade

2010-09-08T09:31:00.000-07:00

So, Lymarie no longer takes baths. She prefers showers. She lost her second loose tooth three nights ago and today she started the First Grade. I couldn't be prouder of her. She has taught me so much about love for life and learning, resilience, and family.

Thank you God for entrusting me to steward over your precious daughter for a season. Please give me the wisdom to do it to the best of my ability.

Congratulations Lymarie. Dada loves you!

Hip-Hop Hit of the Week: Lavoisier

2010-09-05T21:48:00.000-07:00

Lavoisier "4 the G's"

Lav

FREE DOWNLOAD

Hip-Hop Hit of the Week: Jin "Angels"

2010-08-31T12:46:00.000-07:00

You remember Jin. He won a Ruff Ryders contract by battling his way to the top of BET's Freestyle Fridays. Now the brother has found the Lord and isn't shy about it. Check it out!

Jin "Angels" (@rapzilla @ayojin)

FREE DOWNLOAD

Monzón Memory Verse of the Month

2010-08-28T19:05:00.000-07:00

The Monzón family has endeavored to memorize one Bible verse a month as a family. That means at this rate, Lymarie will have approximately 141 verses memorized by her 18th birthday! We're working on those eternal investment.

Why don't you join us?

This month's memory verse is:

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

John 14:6 (NIV)

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FREE Download of the Week: Raging Moses

2010-08-27T12:51:00.000-07:00

You really don't want to sleep on this! This is my favorite track off of Raging Moses' debut LP, When Kings Go To War. If you like what you hear support your boy and cop the album.

Peace and Love,

Cee

<a href="http://ragingmoses.bandcamp.com/track/my-father-said">My Father Said by Raging Moses</a>

Hip-Hop Hit Of The Week: Braille- The IV

2010-08-25T13:20:00.000-07:00

I am a fan of Hip-Hop. Real Hip-Hop. This is an example of what I consider that to be. Enjoy!

And We're Off...

2010-08-07T05:52:00.001-07:00

As I wait by Gate 20 at JFK International airport many thoughts are racing through my mind. Will Lymarie be okay? Will Jenny and I be okay? Did I leave all the paperwork in order? Will the team be okay? What will Mexico be like?

And that's just the first nanosecond.

This is the first time Jenny and I will be away from Lymarie for so long and emotions are high. We haven't even taken off yet and I miss her. I know beyond the shadow of a doubt that God has opened this door for us, but it's still hard. I go with the knowledge that God has ordered our steps and that He will never leave us or forsake us. Thank you Father for this amazing opportunity to serve your children in Mexico.

Well, we're boarding now. God bless!

NYCHA's Fatherhood Initiative

2010-07-24T20:13:00.000-07:00

I stumbled upon this very interesting post and I figured that I would share it. Peace & Love

NYCHA Helps Fathers Re-connect With Their Children and Strengthen Families

In a move to improve the quality of family life, NYCHA joins the City's new Fatherhood Initiative. Among a variety of offerings from several citywide programs, the Housing Authority will host educational activities; provide social services, and job readiness services for dads who want to become more active in their children's lives. NYCHA's Fatherhood Initiative is open to both residents and non-residents, as well as to fathers of all ages. A kick-off event will take place on Saturday, July 31st at the Williamsburg Community Center in Brooklyn.

Download Flyer (PDF)

More Info

Image Source & Original Post

Bridging The Gap Between Goals & Accomplishments (Part 3)

2010-07-21T11:12:00.000-07:00

Making your goals a reality the Ziglar way.

July VIVA Special- Buy 1 Get The 2nd Half Off

2010-07-20T13:45:00.000-07:00

July Special #1 - Buy 1 VIVA 4 Pack and get the 2nd 4 Pack 50% OFF!

Drink to your Health and take 2 to 3 ounces a day for maximum benefit.
Benefits of Viva include:

Helps support the cardiovascular system
Helps promote healthy brain function
Helps support the immune system
Helps delay the aging process
Helps promote healthy blood

Viva has been scientifically formulated with a proprietary blend utilizing the purest and most potent grapes on earth, making Viva the world’s most powerful antioxidant.

Always on the “cutting edge”, years ago Dr. Tomlinson discovered the IMPORTANCE of RESVERATROL and began working diligently with his team of doctors and scientists from around the world to develop our specific formulation of Resveratrol (from Super Grape Extract ),Green Tea “Given the huge scientific literature supporting the positive role of green tea in preventing so many of our common challenges, there is ample reason for consuming green tea polyphenols on a regular basis and quercetin is one of the most powerful and effective herbal antioxidant supplements on the market today”.

MUCH MORE than simply Resveratrol, Viva’s formulation will make a HUGE impact on YOUR quality of life!

Our original Viva blend has now been updated and improved! All of the health promoting ingredients that were in the original blend are still included and in many cases increased. Viva still contains the powerful FoodMatrix Chromium and Selenium, however, we have increased the quantity of Resveratrol, Pomegranate, Quercetin, Acai and added a new ingredient, Indian Goose Berry (also known as Amla.) Our proprietary blend has increased from 540 mg to 1050 mg, and our ORAC score has increased from 136,000 to 244,050! This makes the new Viva nearly twice as powerful. We were already receiving amazing testimonials for Viva and we know that the new Viva will be even that much better. The taste has also changed and people are saying it's much improved. Viva is the most powerful health and antioxidant drink available. Literally everyone in America and around the world should be drinking at least one to two ounces every day.

To place and an order or for further information regarding Viva and Sportron please follow the link below:

www.gobeyond.sportron.com

Bridging The Gap Between Goals & Accomplishments (Part 2)

2010-07-20T12:06:00.000-07:00

Making your goals a reality the Ziglar way.

Parents BEWARE: Toxic Sunblock Alert

2010-07-19T17:37:00.000-07:00

With vague directions, confusing labeling, and wild claims is the sunblock that you put on your child doing more harm then good? My sister recently shared this website with my wife and I and as parents who regularly coat our daughter with sunblock, it was quite sobering. So that being said, I thought that I would share it.

Bridging The Gap Between Goals & Accomplishments (Part 1)

2010-07-19T07:40:00.000-07:00

Making your goals a reality the Ziglar way.

Fun In The Sun At Seal Park

2010-07-15T13:13:00.000-07:00

Lymarie enjoying another amazing afternoon at Seal Park. #creatememories

Later Training Wheels

2010-07-14T23:08:00.000-07:00

Another Monzon family milestone.

The Love of My Life

2010-07-14T22:59:00.000-07:00

Bringing It To Pass

2010-05-28T16:28:00.000-07:00

I would like to take a moment to publicly recognize the most beautiful, accomplished, and distinguished Brooklyn College graduate that just so happens to be my wife! You have yet again managed to inspire me. I would also like to congratulate you on your acceptance into the graduate program at Brooklyn College. Mazel tov!

This is particularly significant not only because it is an amazing accomplishment in its own right but because Jennifer is the first Monzon and Sanchez (her maiden name) to graduate from college. Jennifer received a Bachelors Degree in Sociology and a Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education, which just so happen to be dual certified. History has been made.

"Anyone that has a goal or vision must have the passion to bring it to pass." --Dr. A.R. Bernard Sr.

How To Put Up A Mezuzah. But Wait...What's a Mezuzah?

2010-05-26T12:02:00.000-07:00

I've always been fascinated by the cool looking 'things' on the door posts of Jewish homes and businesses. Growing up on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, I saw them regularly. I vowed to get one when I got older just because I thought that they looked really cool. When I found out what they actually ment and what they represented, I really wanted one. After a quick google search I found a supplier in Israel and I was off and running. The following is a brief history of the mezuzah and directions on how to install them. I found this very interesting. Maybe you will too.

How to put up a Mezuzah

Jews have been putting mezuzot on the doors of their houses since biblical days. We read the commandment concerning the mezuzah every time we read the Shema: "inscribe them [these words] on the doorposts of your house and on your gates."

The mezuzah reminds us of our relationship to God every time we leave our houses and every time we return.

A mezuzah can be made of practically anything: glass, wood, plastic, ceramic, clay, metal, but no matter what it's made of, the important part of the mezuzah is the parchment inside. The parchment contains two passages from Deuteronomy.

The first passage is the first paragraph of the Shema (Deut 6:4-9), the second is the second paragraph of the Shema (Deut 11:13-21) which is not usually recited in Reform services. Both of these passages contain the commandment for affixing a mezuzah. To be kosher, these passages must be written by hand on parchment. You can get kosher parchments for about $31 from our online store.

The back of the parchment contains the word Shaddai which means "Almighty," but also stands for shomer delatot yisrael: guardian of the doors of Israel. If you place the parchment in the mezuzah case yourself, roll it from left to right so that the word Shaddai faces out. If your mezuzah has an opening, Shaddai should appear in it, otherwise align the word with the front of the case.

The mezuzah goes in the upper third of the right doorpost (as you're going in). The top of the mezuzah should be angled toward the inside, but if the doorpost is too narrow, it can be placed vertically. Before affixing the mezuzah, say the following blessing:

Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech haolam, asher kidshanu v'mitzvotav v'tzivanu likboa mezuzah. Blessed are you Adonai our God, sovereign of the universe, who makes us holy with the mitzvot and commands us to affix a mezuzah.

A Translation of the Text in the Mezuzah "Hear O Israel, G-d our Lord is G-d the Only One You shall love G-d with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your power. These words which I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them to your children and you shall speak about them when you dwell in your house, when you travel on the road, when you lie down and when you arise. You shall tie them as a sign on your arm and as a head ornament between your eyes. you shall inscribe them on the doorposts of your home and your gates.

And it shall happen, if you obey my commandments which I command you today, to love G-d within all your hearts and all your souls that I will give the rains of the land in its proper time, the light rains and the heavy rains, and you will gather your grain, your wine and your oil. I will give grass in your fields for your livestock. You will have enough to eat and you will be satisfied. Guard yourselves, lest your hearts lead you astray and you will serve other gods and you will bow to them. G-d will then become angry with you and will withhold the rain, and the land will not produce its bounty. You will quickly be lost from upon the good land that G-d has granted you. You shall place these words on your hearts and on your souls. You shall tie them as a sign on your arms and they shall be head ornaments between your eyes, and you shall teach them to your children to speak about them when you dwell in your house, when you travel on the road, when you lie down and when you arise. You shall inscribe them on the doorpost of your houses and your gates. So that you and your children may live many years on the land that G-d has promised to your forefathers, as many as the days that the heavens are above the earth."

Source: www.ajudaica.com

I Made The Paradigm Shift. Have You?

2010-05-26T10:49:00.000-07:00

Find Paradigm on itunes and make the Paradigm shift!

What is Resveratrol and what are its benefits?

2010-05-26T08:35:00.000-07:00

Julian Whitaker, MD, has helped over 40,000 patients live longer and stronger. And for more than 30 years, he and his colleagues at the world-acclaimed Whitaker Wellness Institute in Newport Beach, California, have been leading the charge on the frontiers of natural and anti-aging medicine.

Dr. Whitaker has this to say in a recent article: "It's an astonishing antioxidant. Wine grapes make resveratrol to defend themselves from fungal invaders. And we've found it's a flat-out fantastic antioxidant--a key reason why great red wines can age for decades and grow even better with time. It has amazing heart health benefits. Volumes of early research show resveratrol helps protect the heart and arteries from free-radical damage. It also helps block the oxidation of cholesterol in your arteries...and promotes healthy blood pressure! Animal studies suggest it does so by relaxing and expanding blood vessels. Better still, we believe it also supports brain function as we grow older. This is a fabulous side-benefit of its antioxidant powers. By protecting brain cells, it may also help aging brains stay sharp and focused. Plus, it may even promote optimum dental health! How? Because resveratrol also supports an anti-inflammatory process.

So in sum, resveratrol addresses all 3 key causes of aging:

As a mega-antioxidant, it blocks free-radical damage
It may help cut inflammation linked to premature aging
Early research shows it may even promote healthy cell replication. So your heart, brain, skin, and other organs can renew themselves with perfectly healthy young cells."

Sportron's Viva contains this magnificent ingredient, plus many other very powerful antioxidant fruits, plus FoodMatrix selenium which the FDA says, "May help prevent certain cancers." With an ORAC score of 244,050, Viva is the most powerful antioxidant product available, providing maximum support and protection.

Check out the Viva movie here:

For more information regarding VIVA feel free to contact me at info@christianfmonzon.com or go to www.gobeyond.sportron.com.

Message From Pastor Rick Del Rio

2010-05-25T12:11:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone. Puerto Rico is fast becoming VIVA territory. Testimonies of the effect the Worlds most powerful antioxidant (244,050 ORAC) is having on peoples health are pouring in. From cancers disappearing to clogged arteries being cleared, high cholesterol and triglyceride numbers being normalized and many more testimonies. Viva is amazing. We are introducing it to New York tomorrow, Wed 05-26 7:45 PM. 393 E. 8th St, 3rd Fl. Join me for this powerful presentation. An 18 Yr old company, in 40 countries, with a revolutionary product and proprietary technology that very few people know about. Be the first. We will cover America and Puerto Rico. 646-257-9062

Pastor Rick Del Rio

For more information regarding VIVA and Sportron International, Inc. click here. Also, feel free to contact me at info@christianfmonzon.com.

RECAP:

There will be an informational meeting on Wednesday evening (May 26th, 2010) at 7:45PM at:

393 East 8th Street, 3rd Floor

New York, New York 10009

We're looking forward to seeing you there!

Best Regards,

Christian F. Monzon

Give Honor To Whom Honor Is Due

2010-05-24T15:19:00.000-07:00

Congratulations go out to my sister Sheyla for completing her undergraduate studies With Honors from Columbia University!

We salute you!

Streets of New York...Another Banger!

2010-04-16T00:43:00.000-07:00

Just a taste of what gets my head nodding these days!

Messages of Hope: Index Card Art for Haiti

2010-01-20T19:10:00.000-08:00

What started as a request to the parents of my daughter's kindergarten class has turned into Messages of Hope: Index Card Art for Haiti. The idea was to have our children create a dozen or so mini works of art on index cards that would then be distributed to the children of Haiti by a doctor volunteering in the relief effort. It is a small way of letting the children of Haiti know that there is light and life in the midst of such darkness and death. What started as a petition to the parents and teacher of my daughter's class via our class Google group, through a forwarded email, galvanized the entire elementary school to follow suit. The administration, teachers and students were so willing to take part in this effort and the response has been incredible. Thank you Neighborhood School for your labor of love and for your kind acts of compassion through Messages of Hope.

The index cards were the desired medium as to not overburden Dr. Pierre Arty, the doctor that has so willingly agreed to lovingly distribute the cards to any and every child that he administers aid to. Thank you Dr. Pierre not only for delivering our Messages of Hope but for your commitment and willingness to the relief efforts in Haiti. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.

For more information on Messages of Hope contact info@christianfmonzon.com or feel free to leave a comment below.

Peace & Love,

Christian F. Monzon

Road To Greatness

2010-01-17T15:29:00.000-08:00

"Everybody can be great because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love." Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Practical Ways You Can Make A Difference

2010-01-16T20:45:00.000-08:00

I need not preface this blog post with any death tolls statistics or horror stories. You've seen the pictures, you've heard the reports, you’ve cried the tears and you’ve prayed the prayers.

To that end, today I've been brainstorming, with a little help from my sister, on practical ways how we can help the humanitarian relief efforts in Haiti. Here are a few things that we came up with.

·Pray ("Captain Obvious" as one of my Pastors (Louis) would say! But you'd be surprised.)

·Fast or brown-bag a meal a day for a month and use the funds that you have saved for a donation. This can go for Starbucks, morning coffee and paper, hot butter bagel, etc...

· If you drink soda, save the bottles for a month and send what you make. In fact why stop at a month? Commit to a year of cashing in bottles and cans. (Put that pride aside and get busy.)

· Sacrifice a date night with your spouse and use the money that you would have typically spent to make a donation. Instead spend some time in intercessory prayer with your spouse for Haiti. The family that prays together...

· Contact your child's PTA and request that a bake sale be coordinated with the proceeds going to relief efforts in Haiti.

· Some schools are gathering all their spare change to donate to the cause. Right now a little bit goes a very long way. This is also a great way to model social justice to your children. From that day forward there will not be a penny on the ground that they do not stop and pickup!

· Offer your services within your sphere of influence and donate the funds that you would have made to relief efforts.

· Donate blood.

· Volunteer your time.

· Coordinate a fundraising dinner at your home with close friends and family and request a suggested donation of $20 a plate using the honor system.

These are just a few creative ways that everyone can make a difference. Feel free to leave further suggestions as a comment or email them to info@christianfmonzon.com so that I can update the post.

In His service,

Christian F. Monzon

World Vision: Haiti Earthquake Relief

2010-01-16T00:03:00.000-08:00

Greetings family. I know this has been a week of prayer and reflection as the horrific images and reports from Haiti keep streaming in. But let this be a week of action as well. I have chosen to donate through http://www.worldvision.org/ and here's why. http://bit.ly/8fESwF

For further information on "Next Steps" we as the body of Christ can take visit http://bit.ly/79ZQaV

Peace & Love,

Christian F. Monzon

World Vision: Haiti Earthquake Relief

Concerts of Prayer Greater New York – Haiti Response

2010-01-15T13:46:00.000-08:00

The following is an email I received from Pastor Gary Frost regarding Concerts of Prayer Greater New York – Haiti Response. PLEASE distribute widely to your churches and ministries!

HAITI RESPONSE

WE HAVE ALL SEEN THE NEWS ...."HAITI IN RUINS," "QUAKE SURVIVORS GROW DESPERATE"

In response, we at Concerts of Prayer Greater New York would like to offer the following "Next Steps" suggestions to take as our offices and your church phones keep ringing with people asking.."What can we do?" Here are some bullet points for you to consider:

•Commit your church to hold a prayer gathering to intercede for this humanitarian need.
•Pray specifically that:

1. God provide the needed equipment to dig people out and clear the roads so that supplies can get to those in need, and that lives would be saved.
2. The right materials, medical & food supplies, and water would be delivered in time.
3. Renewal would reign as the Haitian people turn their hearts to God in the midst of this tragedy.
4. God empower and enable the Christian community (both Haitian and International) to offer comfort, display the love of Christ and share the Gospel.
5. The weather remains clear and that rain would not compound the tragedy.
6. World governments would give tangible support and that the Government of Haiti would be willing to accept it and use it wisely.
7. Lawlessness would not prevail during this time of desperation.

COP will continue to send you bullet points and updates for your continuing prayer efforts.

Because most of the above cannot happen without the financial resources necessary to bring it about- here are further suggestions and points of wisdom:

o Consider taking an offering this coming Sunday for Haiti's need. And as a model--let your church supplement congregational giving with a church donation.

o Advise your people to stay away from Haiti for the time being, and let agencies that are on the ground handle these early needs. Secondary response to help will make it clearer as to how to respond in the near future. We will keep you advised.

o Forward collected funds to agencies you trust and have historically handled funds for these types of emergencies. Perhaps your church has a denominational group or agency such as MCC, or NAE, and World Relief, for example.

o Concerts of Prayer has worked with World Vision for over a decade following the 9/11 tragedy. Funds which were offered to World Vision for NYC were distributed in collaboration by our two organizations. Through your church giving, we also labor with them in numerous global projects. World Vision has a base and offices in Haiti that consists of 370 workers.

o For details on World Vision's relief efforts in Haiti, click on the following link: http://www.wvi.org/wvi/wviweb.nsf/maindocs/51D3402D0A371CB1882576AA002CDB47?opendocument

o Click on the following link for bulletin inserts, PowerPoint slides and other materials prepared by World Vision that you can use to share with your church: http://www.worldvision.org/content.nsf/learn/church-erdm-home

o If you plan on taking an offering for Haiti relief efforts and would like the funds distributed by World Vision, please contact World Vision's regional Church Relations person, Linda Nolan. Linda will add your church name to the list of churches who are reaching out to Haiti. Linda can be reached via email at linda@worldvision.org or by phone at 516.287.3714 (cell phone) or 516-608-2095 (home office).

Lastly, this earthquake tragedy could be one of the worst in history. The numbers could be significant. In 1201 AD 1.1 million Syrian lives were lost in what is, perhaps, the greatest number of recorded earthquake deaths in history. In 2004 almost 300,000 people lost their lives in Shaanxii, China. This is paled by the major earthquakes that occurred in the Middle East (Syria, Iran,) in the middle ages which numbered several hundred thousand.
God bless you as you pray,

Pastor Gary Frost, President
Concerts of Prayer Greater New York

For Those Who Say I Can't Dance...

2009-10-24T17:46:00.001-07:00

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Created by our good friend Robin Shuster.

In Depth With Jonathan Kozol

2009-09-07T21:52:00.001-07:00

Author and education activist Jonathan Kozol sharing about his life, his career, and his body of writing.

Calling All Photographers And Photojournalist

2009-09-01T20:28:00.000-07:00

THROUGH YOUR LENS: A National Photo & Essay Contest about School Facilities

Photo and Essay Contest

In an effort to raise awareness of the need to fund school buildings that support learning and provide a safe, healthy environment for students and teachers, Critical Exposure, the 21st Century School Fund, and the Healthy Schools Campaign are providing us an opportunity to show the public and our policymakers what our public schools really look like.

From now until Sept 14th, students, teachers, parents, and anyone with a stake in our public schools can enter the contest at www.ThroughYourLens .org. Your photos and stories will help inform a national debate over federal funding for public school facility repair, modernization and construction.

Selected photos and stories from students and teachers will be shown at a special exhibition in Washington , DC , possibly in the Russell Rotunda of the Capitol! Many more entries will be published in a "Through Your Lens" book and in an online gallery. Five student winners will also receive a Vado pocket video camcorder from Creative Labs.

For more information about the contest, to submit images, to download the contest flyer, or to find ways to promote the contest, please visit www.throughyourlens .org/promote. php.

Posted By: Gina J. Chirichigno, Post-PICS Coordinator, The Charles Hamilton Houston Institute for Race & Justice at Harvard Law School

How are you seeing things?

2009-07-27T22:39:00.000-07:00

Need I say more?

Should Christians get tattoos?

2009-07-23T23:58:00.001-07:00

Earlier today one of my facebook friends Richie Righteous posted the question, Should Christians get tattoos? as a status update. At the time of this posting the tread generated 121 comments. Here are a few of the comments.

Richie Righteous--What yall think about Christians getting tattoos?
Yesterday at 2:53pm · via Duo for iPhone and iPod Touch · Comment · LikeUnlike

You and 7 others like this.
7 people like this.
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50 of 121
Karlene Roberts
Karlene Roberts
ok
10 hours ago

Roger Prince
Roger Prince
No tattos no piercing ... your body is a temple....
10 hours ago

David Hobday
David Hobday
ay it is pretty safe to say that we will not upset God if we don't get one. right?
10 hours ago

Reuel Pompey
Reuel Pompey
Feeling what tomel saying... I agree bro
10 hours ago

Sade Jackson
Sade Jackson
David, it is love that fulfills the law. We cannot. But we can love God which is the first and greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37-38). And Jesus said if we love Him, we ought to keep His commandments (John 14:15). We no longer try to keep the law to OBTAIN salvation - that's OT. We keep God's commandments as a result of our salvation because we love Him and aim to please Him. We aim to please those we really love.
10 hours ago

Errol Chapman
Errol Chapman
Question: Why do you want a Tattoo? you are just trying to confirm to the world because its happening in a time when its the "Ting". simple example, This topic would not have came up 50 years ago simply because Tattoo was not the ting at that time. Bretheren, a lot of illicit things are being accepted in our day and time but we need to be careful. "be not confirmed to this world but be ye Trasnformed by the RENEWING OF YOUR MIND" if your mind is renewed, you will not think Tatoo. Bless!
10 hours ago

Sandra Brown
Sandra Brown
Me personally I donot like tatoos but to each his own and it all depends on what type
of tatoo.
10 hours ago

Jermaine J
Jermaine J
wow it seems that God's people are still not yet on one accord.....if we are questioning what the Bible says word for word then we DO have a problem!
10 hours ago

Sade Jackson
Sade Jackson
Yes Tomel! We should all seek God about how to live... not other people. And we can find out what God's will is by praying, fasting, and reading His word. All three are essential. However, God speaks to us PRIMARILY through His word.
10 hours ago

David Hobday
David Hobday
so we should be aiming to please God. will a tattoo do that?
10 hours ago

Shawn Page
Shawn Page
can you glorify God with a tat to witness the Gospel??...can I glorify God by going out and robbing JUST ONE BANK as a witnessing tool?
sade..yes..that was a perfect biblical answer for the wine
Tomel...LOLOLOL...eat yo meat...lol
10 hours ago

Tomel CleverGemz Waters
Tomel CleverGemz Waters
Uhh yea That law has already been fullfilled, Through christ.... We are To be the likeness of Christ none the less which would be Love as Sade said .... if I have to be all specific.. No greater Love than a Man lay down his life for his Brother.. Love is the action of knowing when to Take action...
10 hours ago

Sade Jackson
Sade Jackson
K Shawn (smile)

Amen Tomel. Also, don't forget to love oneself. One cannot love her neighbor as herself if she doesn't love herself. This includes refraining from getting tattoos. (chuckle)
10 hours ago

Sade Jackson
Sade Jackson
No David, a tattoo will not please God because He has outlawed it. :)
10 hours ago

Tomel CleverGemz Waters
Tomel CleverGemz Waters
LOL @ Sade she got "Last Word" Syndrome....ok can get the last word... ala Paul vs, Silas... I'll head south..
10 hours ago

Kerri Berri
Kerri Berri
i feel as though getting any alterations done to the body is indirectly telling God that he didn't do a good enough job on creating you.
10 hours ago

Sade Jackson
Sade Jackson
Not the case Tomel. I was merely teasing you. My bad.
10 hours ago

Tomel CleverGemz Waters
Tomel CleverGemz Waters
see you got the last word again.... lol... and i was just teasin you back sis.. no harm no foul...
10 hours ago

Lamar Gibbs
Lamar Gibbs
"We no longer try to keep the law to OBTAIN salvation - that's OT."

No Sade, that is not OT, that statement is actually unbiblical. The Jews didn't follow the Law to be saved, they were delivered and then God gave them the law to live as a people redeemed by Him. God has always been like this, just through different administrations, for Jesus came... Read More in grace and truth. We are under the Law of Christ, which still contain many of what the Law of Moses states, but is a better covenanty and amore sure one, for Jesus Christ upholds it forever and is out High Priest. It's like having a NY license and a license from another, the rules are almost similar but there may be certain things you can do in one you can't do in NY. The Leviticus verse was about what nations around them did in worshipping the dead, not a verse against tatoos, but skin markings.
10 hours ago

Sade Jackson
Sade Jackson
Oh, LOL! I see we have something in common. (hearty chuckle) :)
10 hours ago

Ashley Meertins
Ashley Meertins
i honestly believe that God wants us to be like Jesus. Be a follower of Jesus and act and do as He would. the question you have to ask is " Would Jesus sit in a tattoo parlor to get his skin peirced up with a tatto gun?" even if He tattoo's bible scriptures on Him, I strongly believe Jesus would not do it because He doesn't need to show to the ... Read Moreworld he's a believer and use scriptural tattoos to implying that. Your actions and your christian mindset should be an example of your faith, not a tattoo.

a tatoo is a thing of the world, and as christians we are not part of the world
10 hours ago

Reuel Pompey
Reuel Pompey
Pastor Lamar just stepped into the building!!!
10 hours ago

Karlene Roberts
Karlene Roberts
Lamar you laid it out.
10 hours ago

Sade Jackson
Sade Jackson
You're right Lamar. It has always God's grace that saved men, never the law... even in OT days. I said that because despite the purpose for which God gave the law, the Jews still became indifferent to the purpose behind it and tried to obtain salvation that way.

Question: What is the difference between tattoos and skin markings?
10 hours ago

Tomel CleverGemz Waters
Tomel CleverGemz Waters
Now you wanna ask the Question...I almsot got coral tunnell for nuthin
10 hours ago

Lamar Gibbs
Lamar Gibbs
Haha, Reuel you funny! But for real tho, I pray that we as Christians have an understanding of the Law and its relation to us, its use and ordination by God(Psalms 119 is all about the Torah, or the Law), and finally, if we don't understand how to interpret the Law, we can miss evangelizing the Jews, which Paul's heart absolutely broke for, and he ... Read Moreeven wanted to give up his salvation for them to understand what God was doing. His wisdom is manifold and we can trip and stumble when God "switches up", when in fact the essence of everything He does is the same, for it's from His nature to do truth and uphold righteousness! He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Faith has always been accounted to righteousness(Abraham,Noah...Hebrews 11 is the chapter lol), the Law never did that, for that wasn't the purpose.
10 hours ago

Karlene Roberts
Karlene Roberts
wasn't the skin markings part of the dead worship?

Reuel, now I'm HOOKED!
10 hours ago

Sade Jackson
Sade Jackson
LOL @ Tomel. T, Lamar made a distinction between tattoos and skin markings so I want to know from his perspective what the difference is.
9 hours ago

Tomel CleverGemz Waters
Tomel CleverGemz Waters
yea yea ask away.....
9 hours ago

Lamar Gibbs
Lamar Gibbs
Yep, Karlene your right, and thats why God commanded the Israelites to not make sin markings, it wasn't like modern tatoos today at all. HOWEVER, if the focus of your tatoo brings it off of God, then you need to exercise wisdom and not get it but God doesn't condemn getting a tatoo...ima hear of this when I go to Jamaica Assembly of God tonight haha :)
9 hours ago

Steven Hadden
Steven Hadden
all i got to say to you RR cause i am not trying to debate... and since you put it out there i will say this..... book of levs does speak about it... all the bible scirptures and different points where good ones... but the bible clearly is against it.... but i know you gotta a son RR and your accountable for every thing you teach him, the behavior... Read More you display in front of him... and also you are a public figure and the CHRISTian community... if you flaunting tats at a youth services young men tend to gravitate to what rappers do... you wouldn't be showing them much differences from the world.. we as CHRISTians have a response abilty to be the light e different not embrace the worlds nonsense... being holy means being set a part for the masters uses... listening to worldly music isn't a sin ... but it can more damaging to your walk or possible someone elses.... WE AS BELIEVERS ARE UNDER THE MICROSCOPE............... LETS NOT GIVE THE WORLD MORE SLANDER ON US.......... GOD BLESS........
9 hours ago

Sade Jackson
Sade Jackson
I'm not sure I understand the difference... Can you explain further, if you don't mind? ('bout to leave work... I'll certainly see you a JA tonight but I'll check this blog later)
9 hours ago

Karlene Roberts
Karlene Roberts
very interesting discussion I must say....
9 hours ago

Lamar Gibbs
Lamar Gibbs
I'm sorry I meant skin markings, not sin markings. But yea, God forbade them to do this because of what the other culture around them were doing it for, it was to worship the dead, by marking their bodies...think of the story with Elijah and the priests of Baal marking themselves...these were the types of markings that nations around Israel were doing, and God forbade this because of the worship that would be given to another, and there should be no gods before YHWH
9 hours ago

Jason Lorick
Jason Lorick
I don't think its an issue of what scripture says...what the motivation is behibd wanting a tatoo after you have given ur life to Christ should be what's examined...
9 hours ago

Staci Ishmael
Staci Ishmael
I'm getting one :) so it's ok! ;)
9 hours ago

R. Shenell Thompson
R. Shenell Thompson
WOW
9 hours ago

Karlene Roberts
Karlene Roberts
LOL!
9 hours ago

Bryan K. Page
Bryan K. Page
Let's just come to the conclusion people, just agree to disagree, Jesus will explain it to us when we see Him face to face. Leave it to the King he will straightin us all out!
8 hours ago

Bryan K. Page
Bryan K. Page
I'm surely your not gonna debate with Him are you?
8 hours ago

Shawn Page
Shawn Page
Hosea was told to marry a adulterous women that eventually would be a prostitute and this glorified the Lord in the end to show Yahweh's(OT) love for Israel cause he bought back his wife and worked everything out to Glorify him...now wouldnt marrying a adulterous women be a sin NOWADAYS or marrying a prostitute that didnt know the Lord NOWADAYS be ... Read Morea sin????2 cor. 6:14..but later glorified him...what im trying to get out is this....YAHWEH(OT) knew it was going to glorify him in the end!...this is why i say let the Lord confirm it first through prayer or interpretation of messagers sent ya way, fleece...but if it to to glorify HIM...DO IT but by no means do it for anything else! IM not even going to get on the Ester/Xerxes marraige being a mixed marriage that was forbidden for Jew to marriage out of race..but yet glorified GOD in the end with a SAVED ISRAEL
8 hours ago

Barbara Davila
Barbara Davila
RICH, i know u about gettin the message out there,and in all reality, ppl gonna do what they want ,but
as long as WE ALL know that on the day of JUDGEMENT, u stand ALONE! just U and HIM!! ... i want to thank u for give us all something to THINK about!!
8 hours ago

Sade Jackson
Sade Jackson
I see what you're saying Lamar... thanks for explaining.

LOL @ Bryan... smh
8 hours ago

Jason Lorick
Jason Lorick
Agreeng to disagree is how new churches start in the basement bathroom. There is a necessaty for answers...
7 hours ago

Maria Rivas Cruz
Maria Rivas Cruz
I think that its a personal choice. In my house that personal choice happens after your on your own. In my home no tatoos, no piercings no negotiation.....
7 hours ago

Lydia Toussaint
Lydia Toussaint
I think its ok as long as its not anything satain orgin. It's cool what's ur thought
6 hours ago

Pleshette Hunt
Pleshette Hunt
Throw back msg board discussion,lol.
6 hours ago

Rivkah Ted
Rivkah Ted
interesting discussion... Just to make a few points... if something originated from paganism it's still pagan no matter hooooow many years down the line it came from. If markings on the skin was done when worshipping Baal it's still the same thing today. Satan is a deceiver, and he's subtle in how he does things. His tricks remain the same however ... Read Morewe try to justify it by saying 'It's not the same thing anymore' when it is! Alot of people get tats as a memorial for dead people (same context as when God originally said not to do it). Also I love Errols comment, people are always trying to be 'IN' with everyone else. Instead of witnessing to people we become no different. If someone can't tell the difference between you and a non-believer then what kind of witness are we? It's kinda like 'You fornicate? me too!!, you have a tat? me too! you smoke weed? Hey me too! cool!' How can you you then witness without seeming hypocritical?
2 hours ago

Rivkah Ted
Rivkah Ted
As a matter of fact if you DO end up helping someone come to the Lord when you're everything like the world, it may be detrimental to that new believer also because they might just become religious or hypocritical, getting involved in the latest trends Godly or ungodly just because it's 'COOL' or 'HOT'
2 hours ago

Rivkah Ted
Rivkah Ted
One last comment... If you're 'fearfully and wonderfully made' and 'made in the image and likeness of God' doesn't that mean you were perfect from the beginning? If He wanted us to be a witnessing tool in the sense that people are talking about with the tats wouldn't He have made us with the Bible written on our bodies rather than inspiring people to write the Word on paper??
2 hours ago

How do you feel about this?

719...Something In The Water, Part 1

2009-07-21T15:18:00.000-07:00

When I was around nine years old my father moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado to live with my uncle. Being the youngest of three children and the only male I wanted nothing else but to live with my father. A year following his departure I was allowed to move to Colorado Springs, affectionately known as the Springs to the locals. I did not know what to expect when I moved out to the Springs. I was a kid from the pre-gentrified Lower East Side of Manhattan, the ghetto. I lived down the block from Alphabet City one of most drug riddled areas in the city and around the corner from the crack vile infested Sheriff Park. It was literally like something out of the movie New Jack City. When this is the status quo it all just seems so normal to you. I did not realize that I was a ghetto child until I moved to the Springs. But even there I was in the hood. We lived in the Hillside area in the South Side of town. The first friend I made on South Arcadia street was a boy named Mark Bobian. Mark's grandfather lived across the street from my matchbox sized duplex and we instantly hit it off. He was fascinated by a kid from New York that talked funny and I was just looking for a friend. Mark went on to become one of the leaders of the Chicano gang the Sureños and has since been murdered in an altercation at a house party. Mark was a great friend to me and he introduced me to a kid that would become one of my closest friends growing up named Juan Gallegos. Juan was a brawler and was always heavily into sports. He is currently a stand out player on a semi-pro football team. He always excelled in sports and has always managed to stay heavily active in that area. He has always been above average in almost everything that he has attempted. There must be something in the water.

I spent over ten years in the Springs before returning to New York City in 2001 and during that time I had the opportunity to be around some very talented and amazing people. The Springs has produced a wide array of creative and talented people from teachers, musicians, authors, and artists to photographers and radio personalities. And that is just to name a few. I plan to dedicated a handful of blog posts showcasing some of these individuals. Some of the individuals showcased I may not have known personally but I am sure that we share a common affection for the Springs. I do not know what it is about Colorado Springs that has produced so much talent and has received almost no notoriety but I'm proud to say that I came up there. All I can say is, there must be something in the water.

Please stay tuned and I hope that you enjoy this Mid-Western Ride! The blog post prior to this one features one such talent, Mr. J. Medeiros. Click here to check it out.

New Mr. J. Medeiros Single!

2009-07-13T18:27:00.001-07:00

NEW SINGLE! “HOLDING ON” FREE DL!

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Ramiah's Rainbow

2009-04-04T09:06:00.000-07:00

This past Thursday I had the privilege of accompanying my daughter's class on a field trip to visit the school that some of them, my daughter included, may be attending in the fall, The Earth School. I use the word may because getting a child into a good school in the gentrified Lower East Side of Manhattan is harder than winning the Mega Millions. Prior to that trip, I received one the best gifts a person could receive. An original piece of art. Thank you for my rainbow Ramiah. After I had been all but worn out by a few very energetic four and five year olds, carrying my new treasure home was a beautiful reminder as to why I am pursuing a degree and childhood education. Kids are cool and for the most part hanging out with them is fun!

Mi Viejo

2009-04-02T21:33:00.000-07:00

Last month I had the privilege of celebrating my grandfather's 81st birthday. My grandparents are now residing in Pennsylvania and this is the first time in my life that they have been so close. Since my grandmother was in the hospital at the time the moment was bittersweet but special none the less. Join me in honoring our Viejos. Pick up the phone or even better write a letter to your Viejo today while you still can. I will do the same. While Danny Rivera was signing to his father, this song reminds me of my grandfather. Bendicion abuelito, salud.

I Used to Love Her...and I Still Do

2009-04-02T09:53:00.000-07:00

Following the suggestion of Dr. Randy Pausch, the author and lecturer of The Last Lecture, I have recently been spending a lot of time thinking about my childhood dreams. Growing up I always had aspirations of making music. Remember, I've been with Mtv since the beginning when they were still about music. As I was trying to navigate my way through adolescence, Hip-Hop was my main outlet. My freshmen and sophomore years of high school or what I like to refer to as “The Awkward Years” were all about Hip-Hop. Since the 80’s Hip-Hop has been a constant in my life.

Upon deep reflection on what my childhood dreams were, not many came to mind. I remembered telling my father that I wanted to be an auto mechanic when I grew up. Apparently, during that stage of my life I was fascinated with cars. My father told me that that was a wonderful goal and just to make sure I was the best mechanic in the shop. As I got older that conversation has always stuck with me. Somewhere along the way I shared that story with someone and they told me that they would not expect their child to be the best mechanic in the shop but rather the best mechanic that he/she could be. I agreed.

As for one of my other dreams I have come to realize that I have never been in a more strategic position to fore fill it. My last two/three years (don’t ask) of high school were during the Golden Era of Hip-Hop and all I ever wanted to do was make it in the music industry. While the money and notoriety was appealing, aside from a deep passion and love for the music that defined my culture, what I really wanted was a way to keep the cipher going. I dreamed of making it so that I could buy a house, build a studio in it, and create timeless music with my crew.

While "making it" in the music industry is no longer my dream, I would love to be able to create some Hip-Hop that my contemporaries could enjoy, learn from and relate to. More importantly, I would love to create something that would give my children a view into my mind and allow them to see what makes me tick. And thankfully, I am in the perfect position to do it. I am surrounded by some of the most amazing and talented people anyone could ever ask for. One of my Pastors is incredibly talented and is my church’s Worship Leader. One of my best friends growing up in Colorado earns a living “living his dream” creating music. He is a composer who scores movies, one third of Sign Language music, the DJ of Desperation Band, a missionary, an amazing disciple of Christ and is probably one of the humblest people I know. He has connected me with an amazing beatsmith who lives in my area who is willing to mentor me in the art of making beats on the MPC. I have previously been using an ASR. One of my close friends is a Legend in the world of Street Culture and is starting a music label and has expressed an interest in collaborating with me. My daughter has a classmate whose father is an incredible DJ, producer, and emcee. We actually crossed paths online before he moved to the neighborhood. Nothing just happens. I am so thankful that God in His providence has orchestrated a way for me to be able to make this dream come true at this stage of my life.

So with God’s blessings, fresh inspiration, a renewed sense of purpose, and much prayer I’m off to make some childhood dreams come true. And you should too!

"Where words fail, music speaks" --Miles Davis

Thank you Randy. The Last Lecture has truly blessed me. May you rest in the Peace of God!

Photo credit: Me in Bluesweats Studio when it was just Luke's room. circa 1997

Editor’s note: The title I Used to Love Her is a reference to a Common Sense song by the same name dedicated to Hip-Hop.

The ER

2009-03-21T13:08:00.001-07:00

Photo Credit: RUSTY COSTANZA / THE TIMES-PICAYUNE

The ER. The place everyone is thankful for when they need it but the place where no one wants to be. With the sounds of the beeping EKGs and heart monitoring machinery still echoing in my ears the events that transpired in the wee hours of this morning still seem very surreal to me. While I’m no ER newbie, it’s a place that you never really get used to. I make my rounds to the ER almost monthly with various adolescents from the residential facility where I am a youth counselor. My sister jokingly told me this morning that they should offer me a commission already.

While this recent trip to the ER with my father resulted in him being released without a bleak diagnosis, the whole experience was quite taxing. It’s hard to see someone you love strapped up to oxygen and all the other standard monitoring equipment the ER has to offer. After seeing my father questioned, poked and prodded my first instinct was to start praying. After praying for my father for a while my focus shifted to all the other patients and their families that were in the ER. Most of them were in far worse shape then my father. It is amazing that God in His providence would strategically position you to lift up the needs of your “neighbors” when you least expect it.

I remember hearing the testimony of a women otherwise healthy suddenly falling gravely ill. The doctors in her community could not figure out what was wrong with. After weeks of being bedridden and in excruciating pain, her mother decided to bring her to New York to be seen by specialists. They were able to correctly diagnose her and immediately admitted her to the intensive care unit. She mentioned that after being admitted to the ICU she started to pray and ask God why this was happening to her. She pleaded with God to heal her so that see get back to doing all the things that she previously had taken for granted like brushing her daughters hair of preparing a meal for her family. As she prayed and began to cry God started to speak to her heart. She started to look around the ICU and noticed all the other people in very bad condition with no family support and no one by their sides. God revealed to her that while she being an active member in her local church had many people praying for her, that these brothers and sisters had no one to intercede on their behalf. God simply wanted her to carry their burdens and lift them up in prayer. She was humbled and realized what a privilege it was that God was using her as His hand extended.

She shared this testimony prior to signing a solo with the choir from her church completely healed and with a new appreciation for brushing her daughters hair and preparing dinner for her family. How great is our God!

“if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

2 Chronicles 7:14 (New International Version)

Happy Birthday Pookie!

2009-03-20T09:00:00.000-07:00

I just want to take a moment and thank God for blessing me with such an amazing wife.

Jenny,

I apologize that it takes special days like birthdays and holidays for me to recognize how blessed I truly am. You are such an amazing women and it is an honor to journey along side you in this thing called life. I apologize for the times that I take you for granted. Thank you for your love and grace. You have brought completion were there was a void. I marvel at the sacrificial love that you show our daughter day after day and I take notes for I have much to learn from you. I know that this season has been rough but stay focused on your walk with the Lord and "all these things will be added unto you". You have blessed me in more ways then you know. I love you! Thank you for being my best friend, teacher, cheerleader, honest critic, co-parent, and wife.

Love your husband,

Christian Monzon

"He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD".
Proverbs 18:22

A Cousin's Love

2009-03-18T04:19:00.001-07:00

Lymarie with the newest addition to our family, Calisity Sanchez.

"They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor". Isaiah 61:3b

What's Wrong With This Picture?

2009-03-14T17:45:00.000-07:00

NYTimes.com News Alert:

Breaking News Alert The New York Times Saturday, March 14, 2009 -- 8:23 PM ET ----- A.I.G. to Pay $100 Million in Bonuses After Huge Bailout Despite being bailed out with more than $170 billion from the Treasury and Federal Reserve, the American International Group is preparing to pay about $100 million in bonuses to executives in the same business unit that brought the company to the brink of collapse last year. Read More: http://www.nytimes.com/?emc=na ----- Now get the New York Times Breaking News to your mobile phone. Sign up for the alerts by texting NEWSALERTS to 698698 (NYTNYT). ----- About This E-Mail You received this message because you are signed up to receive Breaking News Alerts from NYTimes.com. To unsubscribe, change your e-mail address or to sign up for daily headlines or other newsletters, go to: http://www.nytimes.com/email NYTimes.com 620 Eighth Ave. New York, NY 10018 Copyright 2009 The New York Times Company

Is it just me or does this seem highly unethical not to mention unjust!

SL, More Than Just Music

2009-03-14T16:34:00.000-07:00

Sign Language Music:

Electric Life: We live in a time where it is easier and more convenient than ever to make a difference in the lives of others through the use of electronics. A question worth asking: why were we born into wealth and others into poverty? We believe it is so we can use the endless opportunities and resources we have and shift them over to those who have nothing. As simply as we purchase something online, we can help the helpless, beautiful children who are in need. The proceeds from this album will go to helping our desperate brothers and sisters around the world. For more information and opportunities to change lives, please visit our website. Peace and love!! SL, more than just music.

Free Downloads of more than just music!

Can It Be That It Was All So Simple Then?

2009-03-14T15:15:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it is nice to reflect on simpler times when the most important question on my mind was, is the pump open today?

Photo: my sister Katrina cooling off at the pump. [circa: 1978]

On The Wings of Angels

2009-01-17T01:50:00.000-08:00

While I join the thousands of people across the nation in honoring Chesley B. "Sully" Sullenberger III, the amazing pilot of Flight 1549, this illustration depicts my theory on how a water ditching in the Hudson River in the dead of winter resulted in no fatalities.

100 Days of Peace & Purpose

2009-01-16T10:40:00.000-08:00

From: Laura Vural
lvural@hcz.org

The election of Barack Obama set off a wave of joy in the homes and gathering places of Harlem. It seemed like everyone spontaneously had the same urge: to keep the feeling of "Yes We Can" rolling. We wanted to; we needed to.

Many of us were moved by our own power to create change. So after hearing Obama speak of the need for everyone to continue to work for change, we decided to celebrate with service. We are calling for 100 days of peaceful worship and 100 days of purposeful service to others. Though the economic forecast is deeply troubling, we are not looking to Washington to heal our community, we are joining together and starting the process ourselves.

Opportunities to join us are listed on our calendar and there are further suggestions in our lesson plans.

Wherever you live, we hope you will bring the spirit of our 100 days of service to your community. Let us know about your experiences by emailing us at the address below. Most importantly, look at what's needed around you - and do it.
As our friend Marion Wright Edelman once said: "It's time for greatness -- not for greed. It's time for idealism -- not ideology. It is a time not just for compassionate words, but compassionate action". About Our Lesson Plan: The lesson plan booklet can be downloaded to support classrooms, community centers, churches and neighborhood associations to engage young people and their families in a dialogue that will launch a deeper understanding of the historical significance of the Obama Presidency, as well as encourage a call to service on both an individual and community level. We hope these lessons will provide guiding questions and activities that can either be done in one session or developed into long term projects for any age group

http://www.hcz. org/images/ stories/pdfs/ Harlem100days. pdf
__._,_.___

View from The Mountaintop

2009-01-15T06:35:00.000-08:00

In anticipation of the historic inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama taking place the day after Dr. Martin Luther King Day, I find this photo to be fitting. Maybe this is The Promise Land that Dr. King saw in his prophetic vision front the Mountaintop. And while we have come such along way, there is still much work to be done. That being said, it is still such and honor and privilege to be around during this historic time in our nation's history as the inauguration will not doubt be of those "where were you moments" of our lifetime. But more important than the "where were you" is what this moment in time represents. Change!

Honoring Las Mariposas

2009-01-14T03:30:00.000-08:00

A couple of nights ago I had a friend over to the house for dinner and a flick and we watched the movie In the Time of the Butterflies. (**This post does discuss events that some might say would "ruin the movie" for you. I have included the trailer at the bottom of this post for those who choose to stop reading now.**) It was my friends first time watching the movie and while I had seen the movie once before, I was again moved to tears by the heartbreaking account of the life, struggle, and ultimate martyrdom of the Mirabal sisters, otherwise known as Las Mariposas (Spanish for the butterflies). Between the years of 1930 and 1961 the Dominican Republic was ruled by a brutal and vicious dictator named Rafael Trujillo who used fear and violence to maintain his power. Minerva, María Teresa, and Patria Mirabal (The Butterflies) were instrumental in the underground resistance movement against Trujillo who subsequently had them ambushed and heinously beaten to death on a secluded roadside on November 25, 1960. This gave rise to a fervent insurrection which led to Trujillo's assignation in 1961. Minerva played an atypical and pivotal leadership role in the resistance movement to overthrow the Trujillo regime and in 1999, the date in which these Dominican heroines were killed, November 25th, was established as the “International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women". May the spirit of Las Mariposas and all the others that have come before us and have suffered at the hands of various oppressors in the struggle for freedom and justice live on. Let us never grow weary in the struggle for social justice across the globe. Another World is Possible!

In The Time Of Butterflies Trailer

http://semdom.50megs.com/mirabal_museo.htm

A Call to Earnest Prayer

2009-01-10T10:12:00.000-08:00

It has been so long since my last post and so much has happened, and is happening, that I do not know where to begin. We have an African-American President elect who will be inaugurated a day after Dr. Martin Luther King day. Poetic! But while the United States has reached a milestone in our history chaos still ensues here and across the globe. Hundreds are caught in the crossfire of Israeli and Hamas missiles in Gaza. The conflict in Darfur has entered into its sixth year. Several countries with radical agendas are close to having nuclear capabilities. Here at home the economy is in shambles. The unemployment rate has reached 7.2%, a figure not seen in over 15 years. That translates into 2.6 million jobs that were lost in 2008. The New York Times recently reported that the number of families in homeless shelters has soared exponentially in the last year. A recent police shooting suspected of being racially motivated in California lead to rioting and looting in the streets. With all this calamity where does one look, if not looking up to The Lord?

I find hope in the fact that I am but an alien and a stranger on this Earth (1 Peter 2:11). But while I'm here, I look around and see so many people hurting, bleeding, and dying I approach 2009 with a sense of urgency. An urgency birthed in the reality that we are living in the last days. Now more than ever we need do our best to live the Beatitudes and love our neighbors as ourselves. And this must not be limited to our church, local, or even national communities. We need to understand that all those men, women, and children stuck in the Gaza strip dodging bullets and missiles even now as I type this blog are our neighbors. How can we love those neighbors as ourselves in the midst of this war? Do we follow the likes of Shane Claiborne, who may be on Expedia trying to find a ticket out there right now, and other Ordinary Radicals who are not afraid to preach Christ, the Prince of Peace, in the eye of the storm. I leave that type of decision for you to discern during your quiet time with the Lord. But at the very least we need to be lifting our brothers and sisters (neighbors) up in earnest prayer. Not only is it our mandate as the elect but it is our duty as a global community. So with that I urge you, as well as myself, to stay steadfast in your prayers for all of our neighbors. Those in Gaza, Darfur, the U.S. and across the globe! Remember what happened in the book of Acts when the church was earnestly praying.

Reforming Public Education, One School at a Time

2008-09-29T00:56:00.000-07:00

Youth Specialist, Organizational Strategist, Author, Speaker, and Justice Advocate Jeremy Del Rio posed this question on the 20/20 Vision for Schools' Facebook discussion board:

What is the role of leadership in addressing the educational crisis? What kind of leadership is required (top-down, bottom-up, indigenous, expert, both/and, other)? How do we discover, develop, and deploy students themselves to provide meaningful leadership in both conceiving and implementing solutions to entrenched problems?

Here's my reponse:

History has proven that the top-down bureaucratic model of leadership in schools doesn't get the job done. A progressive democratic approach to leading schools is what's needed if the ushering in of any meaningful change is going to take place. We need to allow ourselves to tap into all the resources within the scope of schools. The teachers, students, and parents, those on the frontlines, need to be included in policy and decision making. It has been said, "The person sweeping the floor should choose the broom." Most of the chancellors in our region have never stepped foot in a classroom except maybe for the occasional photo op, and the methods they bring from the private sector quite frankly do not work. Teachers, students, parents, and community leaders have a wealth of practical wisdom that could help remedy this crisis given the opportunity.

20/20 Vision for Schools in a comprehensive public education reform initiative that advocates for the adoption of public schools by local churches. Though to say this statement is an oversimplification would be a gross understatement. Do your community a favor (and/or your duty) and get invoved!

http://2020schools.net/

http://jeremydelrio.com

Welcome...

2008-09-28T17:37:00.000-07:00

Why would I start a blog? Well, I think inherently deep down we all have a need to be seen and heard. The Rev. Dr. King called it our “drum major instinct”. He described it as “a desire to be out front, a desire to lead the parade, a desire to be first.” Please allow me to digress. When I was younger I would sporadically journal and the main theme of my journaling was the idea that I wrote because I felt that I was the only one truly listening. Since then I have come to understand that we all have something unique and meaningful to bring to the table regardless of our background, educational accomplishments, and/or our socioeconomic status and we should not be afraid to have our voices heard. So this blog is an attempt not to lead, but to come along side so many who have used the blogosphere as a platform to share their thoughts, ideas, lessons learned, insights, and reflections. There will be no main theme but rather a cultural mosaic of sorts of all the small pieces of me that comprise the bigger picture. I pray that something posted in my corner of cyberspace would somehow be a blessing to you. Please allow this to become a conversation rather than a monologue. Drop a comment.

Grace and Peace,
Christian