Month: November 2022
Starting with an abundance of leftovers of turkey, amazing mac ‘n cheese, sweet potato pie, cake, and punch capped off with the following day filled with Black Friday offers I felt a need to reconnect with a giving of thanks within. It can seem so easy to lose focus on the day. While there are many debates on the validity and foundation of the origin of Thanksgiving, I choose to focus on the best part of Thanksgiving, which is being grateful. Inherent in gratitude can soothe what ails you. The practice of gratitude reminds us of what is right in life. It fosters a healthy mental attitude. Years ago, while attending a conference the speaker did a deep dive into the benefits of gratitude. With what we’ve weathered over the last couple of years, we do, indeed have a lot to be grateful for. Admittedly, sometimes it can be a challenge to isolate and identify it. Especially considering the amount of loss and continual stream of bad news we’ve endured.
The speaker began by suggesting making a list of what you are grateful for. He went “old school” with it. He provided beautiful leather-bound journals which he distributed to everyone in attendance (there were about 500 of us in total). In preparation for our being in attendance, he personally wrote a note of thanks to each one. It was a next-level touch that caused a collective feeling of connectedness in the room. All of a sudden, the room felt more intimate. Smaller. I remember writing down how I was grateful that my mom, Mumay made it successfully through her heart surgery. That was my number one. My eyes welled up as I fought back tears of gratitude. I remembered the mental tug-of-war between what the doctor said with all of the medical facts and stats versus what I believed about her being able to rise from the bed of affliction. In my hieroglyphic style of writing, I experienced a stream of writing 32 things that filled me with gratitude.
I have referred back to that list countless times when facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles. In those moments of reflection, my strength was renewed. I remembered how bleak things looked then and how we got through it. This caused me to become hopeful that this current challenge would be overcome as well. It’s similar to the passage in the Bible with David as he was mentally and spiritually preparing to defeat his giant (obstacle), Goliath. In I Samuel 17: 37, David shares this: David added, “The LORD, who delivered me from the claws of the lion and the bear, will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” This passage illustrates the power of recounting victories. Journaling your gratitude can strengthen your resolve in recounting victories.
I’m not suggesting that this is a cure-all for all obstacles and challenges. I’m suggesting it is a good starting place. May I also suggest that if you need assistance in overcoming challenges and obstacles, or even cultivating an attitude of gratitude, The Fruit Of Our Hands Ministries has coaching and counseling programs that can help you with that?
Feel comfortable reaching out for an Initial Exploratory Consultation by calling us today at 951-289-9808 or emailing: admin@fruitnhands.org
Years ago I stopped watching the news because it was filled with hurt people. However, now there is no escaping the news updates. It’s on our Facebook, Twitter, Insta, and every other shiny distracting app feed. There is literally no escaping it. Why should someone consider registering for mental and behavioral counseling? Because hurt people, hurt people. Recently I saw a mug shot of a young man bullied by his teammates. His solution was to hurt them. Some fatally. Couple this with a group of “friends” that went on a trip together. On their return trip home, they were minus one “friend” due to suspicious circumstances. In this instance, there is actually a video of the alleged abuse taking place. How is it that no one thought to put the phone down and intervene on behalf of their “friend”? I’ll tell you why. Because hurt people, hurt people. There is a ripple effect when it comes to ignoring the signs that help is needed. Innocent bystanders are at risk of peril and they don’t even know it.
We all are susceptible to pain, frustration, disappointment, and the like. The key is to surround yourself with people that want what is best for you. At The Fruit Of Our Hands Ministries, you’ll be enveloped with practical tactics and strategies that will get you on your way back to wholeness.
If you or someone you know is struggling to maintain a sense of calm or balance, or perhaps there is a continual feeling of being stuck follow the link below and fill out the online form to get on the road to feeling better. All information is held in the strictest of confidence. Once you’ve completed the form email it to: admin@fruitnhands.org.
Pop sensation and former child star, Aaron Carter passed away as reported by TMZ (https://www.tmz.com/2022/11/05/aaron-carter-dead-dies/). So far, there is no foul play reported. Carter had a storied past involving drug abuse, mental health issues, and a violent temper to name a few. This comes right on the heels of the senseless death of 1/3 of the multi-award-winning group, Migos, named Takeoff (https://www.tmz.com/2022/11/01/migos-takeoff-dead-dies-shot-houston-quavo-migos/). Reports, including TMZ, shared that this was a dice game gone horribly and deadly wrong.
People. Humans. We must do better. Many begin to pontificate and morph into armchair psychologists on the solutions. Well, at 7000 Indiana Avenue, The Fruit Of Our Hands Ministries is providing services, coaching, and counseling that will assist you or someone you care about in managing their mental and emotional well-being.
It is very uncomfortable witnessing both a public downward spiral and a public display of a senseless violent act. The fact that we all carry a portable video camera in our pockets and are comfortable recording these acts instead of coming to the aid of another human being is jarring. It’s as though there is a disconnect. There is a saying, “Hurt people, hurt people”.
The first step to healing hurts is acknowledging the pain. The second step is to talk to someone. The Fruit Of Our Hands Ministries offers the opportunity for you to take the second step to your healing. To get started call 951-289-9808. The Fruit Of Our Hands is located at 7000 Indiana Avenue, Suite 114, Riverside, CA 92506.
As the common area began filling up there was a frenetic rush of energy. Not knowing what was about to happen, I knew something was about to happen. Being a graduate People Watcher boy I was in for a treat. The first thing I noticed was the happy, smiling faces. Watching the attendees greet their friends made me feel welcome! Funny how that works. Next, I smelled an enticing mélange of herbs, meats, and sugary treats. All this took place before the “program” began. I’m very comfortable in my own skin and among unmet friends as a rule. Yet, I was not prepared for the Discipleship level of friendliness and acceptance. This is a very special group of people. Very special. The ambiance of peaceful and soothing music wafted throughout the room. It toggled between being background to coming into the foreground.
Once Dr. Monica Hunter, co-founder of the Discipleship with her husband, Brian Hunter welcomed and addressed the group it was officially go-time. She began by sharing that there will be a celebration of birthdays, anniversaries, or any other thing noteworthy occasion. As we began singing happy birthday there was an extra dose of closeness in the air.
As I shared earlier, I didn’t know what to expect. I wondered if this is church lite. Is it a time of fellowship? Is it a time to drop the facade and connect with my God and fellow believers? Or, is it a time to be still? It was actually all of the above.
It was awesome. I sat next to a lovely couple celebrating over 40 years of marriage. A young man in high school with his mom who is from Romania. She shared with me how personal faith is not encouraged in her original home country. When she shared that with me I felt very close to her. It made an imprint on my heart. It reminded me of the good that can be had when you have good in common. Unfortunately, we don’t hear about that too much these days. The news highlight reels loop what divides us instead of what knits us together.
A brave young man stood up and shared about his transformation from a mere year ago. It was powerful. What made it so was not what he shared. It was that he shared. You see, culturally speaking, a man and in this case, a black man was sharing candidly about where he was heading. The light in his eyes. I wish we could bottle that and sell it on Amazon. What’s great is that the source of the light in his eyes is free to all of us.
Up next was an encouraging word from Loria Willoughby. She is both powerful and practical. What an incredible combination. She challenged us. Made us laugh. Made us think. She reminded us to not sell ourselves or our God short. The bookend that sandwiched our time with Loria was the praise and worship leader, Leonard. He is a Special Education Teacher. He has a strong, silent confidence that can only be found by spending time with the Lord. He ushered us into the presence of God.
I observed roars of laughter, wiping of tears, several exhales, and hugs. If I had to sum it up in two words I’d choose Love and Acceptance. I thought about how many of us are craving what flowed freely in this room. The hub that holds this all together is The Fruit Of Our Hands Ministries. The Fruit Of Our Hands Ministries meets the physical, spiritual, and soul (mind, will, and emotions) needs of the community. It’s expressed through mental health counseling, life, health, and educational coaching (to name a few), food and lifestyle items distribution, a clothing store that donates to men and women that are in need of clothing for job interviews, and much more. The people who speed past this complex have no idea of the gem that is shining right up under their noses. Not to sound like a broken record, but, it’s almost easier to share with you what it isn’t versus what it is. It’s not cliquey. Is that even a word? You know what I mean if you’ve ever dawned on the doorsteps of a church for the first time. It’s not a church. It’s not only for lost or broken souls. It’s actually for people that want more. More purpose realized. More self-mastery under the hands of The Master. More fellowship. A safe place to belong. A haven. A lighthouse. More of God’s presence in your life. More peace. More love and more joy. Hey! I did actually share with you what it is.
Discipleship is held every other Sunday from 10 until around 12. For more information feel comfortable calling The Fruit Of Our Hands Ministries at 951-289-9808. The Fruit Of Our Hands is located at 7000 Indiana Ave, Suite 114 Riverside, CA 92506
If you’d like to help expand our vision feel comfortable using the donate button on our home page. Or, you can email me, Jacqui Dobens and I’ll get you in touch with our admin in charge of donation and sponsorship onboarding. You can reach me at: Media@FruitnHands.org. If you are interested in giving back to the community or have a child in need of volunteer hours, feel comfortable reaching out to me and I’ll get you in touch with our team member in charge of volunteer scheduling.
Lastly, if you’re interested in attending Discipleship you must RSVP as is the case with all the programs at The Fruit Of Our Hands Ministries.
The Fruit Of Our Hands Ministries co-founders Lisa DeGennaro and Dr. Monica Hunter invite you to register for any of the services, coaching, or counseling that will positively impact your life. If you are in need of any new and gently loved trendy outfits, come visit us at Treasure Shop.
Treasure Shop proceeds fund the services, coaching, and counseling provided by The Fruit Of Our Hands Ministries. The Treasure Shop is located at 7000 Indiana Ave Suite 110, Riverside, CA 92506. Its hours of operation are 10 am – 5 pm Saturday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. The store is closed on Sunday and Monday.