(via hellodollface3)

God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear even
though the earth be removed,
and though the mountains be carried
into the midst of the sea,

though its waters roar and be troubled,
though the mountains shake with its swelling.

[…]

BE STILL, AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD… 

- Psalm 46 (Quoted by Pres. Obama today at Ground Zero)

Someone just informed me yesterday that Justin’s mom favorited a tweet of mine from my old fan account! WHAT?! Awesome sauce. // For anyone that hasn’t seen her Full Circle interview, it’s amazing! God does extraordinary things for the most (seemingly) ordinary people! :)

buzzfeed:

[26 Stunning Before & After Photos Of Japan 3 Months After The Tsunami]

I love that the Japanese refuse to feel sorry for themselves; no matter the situation, they always get straight back to work!

My view on Justin and Selena:

One thing I’ve noticed is that Beliebers will do anything to avoid admitting the fact that it takes two to tango! Justin’s just as much a part of this relationship as Selena is. Sometimes I think fans become so obsessed with the idea that Selena is out to steal his innocence and Justin is helplessly trying to hang onto it that they’ve forgotten why they fell in love with Justin in the first place: his humble upbringing, how easy he is to relate to, and his constant kindness, even in the glaring face of Hollywood.

He’s been instilled with strong Christian-based morals and values since day one. His mom’s been through so much, from drug and sexual abuse to teen pregnancy, and even took it so far as to attempt to take her own life. It would be ludicrous for her not to want her only son to become everything she was not. She worked hard to give Justin what she knew he was worthy of, from a stable home to friends and family she knew he could rely on for support and love. Justin clearly recognizes right from wrong and what’s best for him, not only as an artist, but as a person.

Fans continuously claim that Selena is “changing” Justin, but I (fervently) beg to differ. Over the years, relationships come and go, our surroundings become altered, we ourselves grow. However, just because certain things in our lives shift, it doesn’t mean we’ve become someone else entirely. We may think it’s about pleasing those around us or others having such an effect on us that we can’t do anything but become who they want us to be. But, what so many people fail to realize is that happiness is fundamentally one’s own choice, and if that means making adjustments about oneself to procure that satisfaction, so be it.

The same goes for Justin. Even though he’s a worldwide phenomenon, if you strip it all away, he’s only a 17 year old trying to make his way in the world the best he knows how. Regardless of his monetary earnings and social status, he has an insatiable desire for true happiness just as much as the rest of us. And whether you like it or not, Selena is currently giving him the contentment he rightfully deserves. Contrary to popular belief, Justin did not enter into this relationship blindly. It was his decision to be with Selena and vice versa, even with the knowledge of potential consequences. They wanted to give themselves a chance, and they will not allow bitter insolence from angst-ridden teenagers to ultimately tear them apart.

I’m not even sure why people who seemingly “hate” Justin and Selena’s relationship try so hard to make others feel the same. They’re simply wasting their time and energy on something that has no paramount effect on their own life. I’m not asking you to approve of their romance, but as a fan, at least have some respect for Justin’s choices. He’s come this far and fought (and is still fighting) passionately to be on stage and do what he loves, to make us happy. Do you honestly think he would let himself fall so easily? Do you really have so little faith in him?

mighty2save:

This is such an amazing story. I read the story this morning and just started weeping.

It’s the story of a homeless man named Curtis Jackson who has raised over $9000 thus far to help with a “down-on-her-luck” banker named “Sandy.” According to the article:

________

A year ago, everything was going right for a woman we’ll call Sandy.

She had a good job at a bank in the suburbs.

She and her 10-year-old son had a safe home.

But then the world came crashing down around the 39-year-old. She lost her job. She lost her house. And she and her son moved into her truck. Police found her and DCFS threatened to take away her son if she didn’t find a safe place to stay.

She moved into a hotel with the help of a social worker who paid for a few nights stay with her own money. That’s when Sandy’s knight in shining armor showed up. And he’s kept showing up, every day, paying her hotel bill, so she and her son can stay off the streets.

But Sandy’s Good Samaritan isn’t a Chicago big shot. He isn’t living in a Loop highrise. He doesn’t even have a job.

Sandy’s Good Samaritan is Curtis Jackson, who’s been homeless since 2004. He pays for Sandy’s hotel room because she used to treat him with dignity and kindness when she did have a house — and he pays for it by panhandling and giving the money to her.

“All I can do is get out there and put a sign in my hand, or put a cup in my hand and ask people to help me out, and everything I get, except maybe bus fare and something to eat, I give it to her,” Jackson said as he stood at the corner of 55th and Harlem.

Jackson pays the nightly bill by pouring his bucket of change on the hotel counter. Since December, he’s raised $9,000, and he’s given it all to Sandy. He said sometimes 40, 70, a hundred cars go by before someone gives him a few pennies or a few bucks.

Sandy can’t believe it.

“I’ve donated to charities, I’ve helped other homeless families — never realizing that one day we’d be in this situation,” she said. “So thank God that we did have an angel waiting for us.”

Jackson said he’s a man of faith; homeless, but not hopeless, and he’s got some words of wisdom for the people he sees bustling by every day.

“I have God. I’m one of the richest men on this earth, ’cause I have God,” he said. “Money is not my master. That’s what’s wrong with this world: money is its master.”

Sandy said she doesn’t think she’ll ever be able to repay Jackson, who’s become like a brother.

“I’m out here for a purpose: to help someone, and that’s all I’m trying to do is help someone that needs help right at this moment,” he said. “And once she doesn’t need help anymore, I’ll move on to something else.”

______

There’s so much to learn from this article:

• Never underestimate the good of humanity – even from those we often cast out to the margins.
• Maybe we shouldn’t be too quick to judge the “homeless” person with that sign…
• The best way to love our neighbor is to serve our neighbor.
• Sow kindness and generosity. It’s gonna come back.
• We’re all going to go through our down and out moments.

And how about this word of truth:

Jackson said he’s a man of faith; homeless, but not hopeless, and he’s got some words of wisdom for the people he sees bustling by every day.

“I have God. I’m one of the richest men on this earth, ’cause I have God,” he said. “Money is not my master. That’s what’s wrong with this world: money is its master.”

Wow. Amazing. Makes me wonder if we truly believe in the Gospel?

Homeless man donates thousands

This story was on the news a couple weeks ago. I’ve seen this guy before! He’s always so nice and friendly. :)

Be prepared.

wthellmichelle:

No relationship is ever easy, but if you can’t put up with me when I’m at my worst, then you definitely don’t deserve me at my best. There will be days where I get moody, I will start silly arguments, I will ask for your undivided attention and I will want you to continue to fight for me when I’m on the edge of giving up. I’m not expecting you to be perfect, but just show me from time to time I’m worth it. I can promise you as long as you’re trying, I’m staying.

(via jeaninexbabyy)

I wish I was at Ground Zero right now

bestrooftalkever:

I lived about 5 blocks from it for two years in college.

For two years, I saw people take pictures in front of it. Posing. Smiling! Unsure about how to address the place, and, in the process, appearing ignorant and out of touch. But what were the alternatives? Scowl? Pose for a picture with a forced sad face?

For so long, it felt like a empty pit as unfinished as the operations that were trying and find justice for the terrible crimes on innocent people that happened there.

Tonight, it feels like a place to move forward. It doesn’t feel like a place wallowing in the uncertainty of the present, it feels like something from from the past that is being fixed for the future.

I’m seeing people standing on light posts, spraying champagne on the onlookers.

What a good night for New York City.

The sentence “Do not be afraid” was used 365 times in the Bible, which happens to be the number of days in a year. This only means that God wants us to have the strength to face everything, EVERY DAY. :)

(Source: zebry, via emmawatsaun)

Japan Disaster Relief

The first thing on most people’s mind after hearing the news of a disaster like the earthquake in Japan is, What can I do to help?

Even if you’re thousands of miles away, there are ways that you can offer support to the earthquake and tsunami relief effort in Japan. Here are a few of them:

• Red Cross: The Japanese Red Cross has already deployed 11 disaster-response teams, but you can support the organization by donating money. Similar to its efforts in the aftermath of the Haiti earthquake, the Red Cross is accepting donations online or via text message. Text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10. from your phone (you’ll be prompted to confirm with a second text reading YES).
• ShelterBox: The U.K.-based organization, with 18 international affiliates, has launched an online fundraiser for the Japan relief effort. ShelterBox provides assistance to afflicted countries by delivering large utility boxes that contain a shelter and other emergency-relief tools. To give, go to your country’s page and click “Donate.”
• International Medical Corps: To give to this global nonprofit’s emergency-response fund, go to its site, fill in your information and select the amount you wish to donate (be sure to note if you want your donation to be a “recurring gift” for future relief efforts).
• GlobalGiving: Working with other organizations like the International Medical Corps, GlobalGiving, a Washington, D.C.-based group, has launched a Japan relief fund that will give aid to on-the-ground organizations providing emergency services. It is accepting donations online, with a funding goal of $90, 000.
• Convoy of Hope: This nonprofit focuses on disaster-relief efforts. Donate online or via phone by texting TSUNAMI to 50555 (you’ll be prompted to confirm with a follow-up text of YES).
• Salvation Army: The Japan branch of the Salvation Army has been working in Tokyo to offer shelter to stranded commuters, and it reportedly organized a team to help in Sendai. It also has a Hawaii branch standing by, ready to assist. Donate online or by texting JAPAN or QUAKE to 80888 to make a $10 donation.
• Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF): This medical nonprofit expanded its team in Japan in the wake of the earthquake and tsunami and has groups working in mobile clinics in areas that are inaccessible by road due to damage. While MSF doesn’t have a specific Japan relief fund (we mistakenly reported that they did) you can donate unrestricted funds to support all of the organization’s efforts. Donations can be made online.
• Google’s Person Finder: The search giant has launched a Japanese version of its Person Finder tool so that victims and families can locate one another in the aftermath of the disaster. Find a person or offer information about a person here.

(Those phone numbers for text donations are, unfortunately, only applicable for the US. Please, let me know of numbers (or aid organizations) in other countries! Thank you! And keep Japan in your thoughts and prayers! They need our support now more than ever!)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION that I will update (not in the Time’s article):

• Google Crisis Response is being updated continuously to provide the latest information about this crisis, resources for those affected, and ways to contribute to relief efforts in Japan.

(Source: TIME)

(via claudineeee-deactivated2011)