Hung

This *man was born to be nekked...

...and a Happiness Consultant.

Sunday nights never (ever!) looked so good.

Patricia Arquette is one lucky biatch. I mean, real lucky.






*Jesus, please forgive me....for I have sinned.

The Next Chapter: Part 2

My, "The Next Chapter", post made local news yesterday.

It originally aired in the 6p.m. Sunday broadcast, then again at 11p.m., and then made the Top 5 stories during Monday's News 5 Today broadcast.

Special thanks to Michael Altman, Andrew Setters and Dan Roark at WLWT. And even more special thanks to Altman who wanted to take the faith angle with the story and insisting the interview be done in the parking lot of Vineyard Community Church...just before I attended my regular service on Sunday. I wouldn't have done the interview, if I couldn't talk about my faith. Altman and Setters, thank you both for making sure that angle remained in the package.

The moral of this story kids?

Give God...and social media...at least...one chance.

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."

1 Corinthians 10:31 (New International Version)

"...'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the Lord Almighty."

Zechariah 4:6 (New International Version)

*UPDATE*

• The story was picked up by MSNBC.
• The sis has been my biggest cheerleader and unofficial paparazzi on "set." See pics here.

Can't You See?

You Belong With Me
Taylor Swift

You're on the phone with your girlfriend, She's upset
She's going off about something that you said
She doesn't get your humor like I do

I'm in the room, its a typical Tuesday night
I'm listening to the kind of music she doesn't like
And she'll never know your story like I do

But she wears short skirts, I wear t-shirts
She's cheer captain and I'm on the bleachers
Dreaming bout the day when you'll wake up and find
That what you're lookin for has been here the whole time

If you could see that I'm the one who understands you
Been here all along so why can't you see?
You belong with me
You belong with me

Walkin the streets with you in your worn out jeans
I cant help thinking this is how it ought to be
Laughing on the park bench thinkin to myself
Hey isn't this easy?

And you've got a smile that could light up this whole town
I haven't seen it in awhile, since she brought you down
You say you find I know you better than that
Hey, Whatcha doing with a girl like that?

She wears high heels, I wear sneakers
She's cheer captain and I'm on the bleachers
Dreaming bout the day when you'll wake up and find
That what you're looking for has been here the whole time

If you could see that I'm the one who understands you
Been here all along so why can't you see?
You belong with me

Standin by, waiting at your back door
All this time how could you not know that?
You belong with me
You belong with me

Oh I remember you driving to my house in the middle of the night
I'm the one who makes you laugh when you know you're about to cry
I know your favorite songs and you tell me about your dreams
I think I know where you belong. I think I know it's with me.

Can't you see that I'm the one who understand you?
Been here all along so why can't you see?
You belong with me

Standing by or waiting at your back door
All this time how could you not know that
You belong with me
You belong with me

Have you ever thought just maybe
You belong with me
You belong with me

Being A Christian Means Setting Your Standards Low...Very Low

In my post on July 6th, I talked about living with frequent mistreatment and figuring out ways to sincerely love people who don't deserve to be loved...just as Jesus would.

I've learned that, for me at least, the best way to cope and handle all the negative "stuff" that comes my way...is not necessarily with a positive, sunshiny approach, but rather, in a more negative approach...

...by setting my expectations and standards low...very low.

"Huh?!" You may ask...scratching your head. "That doesn't make any sense! I thought Christians were all about sunshiny positiveness?"

Well, instead of me rambling on...I'll let Jesus' own words do the talking...

The World Hates the Disciples

18"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.

19If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.

20Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.

21They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me.

22If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now, however, they have no excuse for their sin.

23He who hates me hates my Father as well.

24If I had not done among them what no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. But now they have seen these miracles, and yet they have hated both me and my Father.

25But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: 'They hated me without reason.'"

John 15:18-25 (New International Version)

So in those moments, when I want to react in anger and retaliation to those who are rude or mistreating me...I just say to myself, "Who do you think you are Maureen? Do you think you should receive special treatment? If they treated Jesus badly, do you think they'll treat YOU any better?"

This is what I've been saying to myself for a while now.

Is it a defense mechanism on my part?

Absolutely.

But a defense mechanism that Jesus approved of, judging from the verses above.

In fact, I've definitely noticed that as my faith and love for God grows deeper and deeper on a daily basis and I mature more in my spirituality, the "worldly" reactions I get are more and more hateful and malicious...and more frequent.

It's gotten so bad, that now I've been able to look past people's actions and recognize them for what they really are: spiritual attacks.

Christians have self-centered expectations that they deserve the best of the best and should be treated like royalty. Those promises that God made for His children do exist...but they've been taken out of context. Those promises are to be fulfilled in heaven. While here on earth, this life we live is not to mirror that of royalty...but should mirror Christ's.

Jesus lived a working class life here on earth and He died like a lowly criminal. He was never treated as the true king He was. Why is it then that we Christians believe that we should be?

When Christians remove their high expectations of being treated like princes and princesses while here on earth, when reality hits them, they won't be so disappointed and quick to leave the faith.

Loving and living for God means dying to one's self...and one's ego: you are nobody. Jesus is everything.

Gotta admit, when someone wrongs me, it's an instantaneous good-mood crusher and I feel awful, but in a weird way I find myself smiling to myself. Because I know that this incident just means that I must be doing something right...so right that the devil can't stand it and is wriggling in hate and frustration. He'll do anything to get me down.

Well guess what buddy? I'm onto you...and your lil game...and guess what?! Your antics really just amuse me...nothing less, nothing more.

Because the more the world hates me, the more my love for God is validated.

The Next Chapter

It all started with one. single. status update. (click image for larger resolution):

That single status update has led to the next chapter in my life.

Steve Phillips not only responded to the update thread, but privately messaged me wanting to learn more about how my job search was going.

After numerous back-and-forth messages and emails, a phone interview and two in-house interviews with Steve...I am now employed because of that one. single. status update.

Tomorrow, Monday, July 13, I will start working for Steve and Purple Trout, as the new Director of Business Development.

Admittedly, if you had asked me at the beginning of the year, if I'd be working for an Internet search engine optimization company, I would've said, "Come again?!"

But that's the story of my life.

Just when I think I finally have wrapped my brain around in trying to figure my life out...God goes and turns it...COMPLETELY...upside down.

Does this mean that I'm no longer a journalist/media professional?

Quite the contrary.

Ironically, it was my extensive media background that made me an ideal candidate for the position...according to Steve.

And I'll be utilizing those very skills in securing new clients for and promoting the PT brand. (Note: So if your company needs help with search engine marketing services...call me! I can hook you up!)

Since I was laid off, back in January, it has been a long seven months of trying to secure some form of full-time work.

Along the way, there have been countless people that have supported me.

Whether it was a phone call, a prayer, a kind word, a card, a note, an email, a text, a joke, an anecdote, a drink, a dinner, a coffee, a night out on the town, advice, a shoulder to lean/cry on, financial assistance, short-term freelance projects, an offer to pass my resume along, a heads up on a job opening at their company, a heads up on a job opening at another company, a Facebook message, a Tweet, a DM, a hug, a professional reference, a professional recommendation, a word-of-mouth referral, a link to job listings, possible new start-up business ventures, care, concern, faith or confidence in me, emotional support, etc., - WHATEVER form it was - I just wanted to say...

Thank you.

Thank you for being there for me.

You may or may not remember how your kindness and thoughtfulness moved me...but I will NEVER forget.

I hope that I, in some humble way, can repay each and every one of you for your generosity.

And...without further adieu...and in no particular order (well, except for the first four listed)...I want to thank each. and. every. one. of. you. (And if I have forgotten anyone, please don't take it personal...my brain's just getting old. Leave me a comment and I'll be sure to include you.)

You know how you specifically helped me during my difficult unemployment. I don't have to write it out.

But I just wanted to acknowledge it...and you....

God
Dad
Mom
Mandy
Toni
Korey
Krista
Shannan
Marty
Laura
Jami
Kevin
Michelle
Julie
Amy C.
Shawn
Ajay
Chenese
Neysa
Linda P.
Doug
Chris
Bob
Erin Marie
Kate
John
Stephannie
Dyah
Jenn
Meredith
Christina
Jessica
Amy M.
Steve F.
Shawnette
Missy
Candy
Linda A.
Myrita
Lauren Q.
Micah
Irvetta
Chester
Joe
Lou
Matthew
Kerensa
Steve Z.
Cindy
Gayle
Melanie
Toni B.
Shel
Rebecca
Brian
Cassandra
Stepfanie
Dan
Corey
Michelle
Megan
Kat
Audrey
Lauren C.
Jay
Hunter
Richard
Dana
Jorge
Katie
Trina
Tisa
Amita
Ina
Jean-Francios
Terry
LisaMarie
Phil
Amy Mc.
Alison
Aiesha
Healing Center prayer team members

And last but not least, a special thanks to Steve and the rest of the Purple Trout family.

Needless to say, I am very excited about this new chapter in my life and am looking forward to working with an incredible team of people and for an exciting company that's definitely going places.

Thank you Steve and the PT family for giving me...at least...

...one chance.

Boys Will Be Boys...

I don't know why this picture makes me smile coyly to myself.

Usually, when I see men gawking, I puke in my mouth...and then into the sis'.

But there's just something about this pic that just makes me happy and warm-all-over.

And really, after close introspection, I strongly believe it's because this picture just solidifies what I already assumed about our President:

Obama is a freak.*

And baby...

...mama loves her some freaks.

*sigh*

(Note: Sarkozy's actions are not anything new...everyone knows he's a dog.)

(Note-to-the-note: Okay, okay, so there's apparently video that may clear up Obama's twice-over...but in my mind...it'll always be because he likes big butts and he cannot lie.)

(Note-to-the-note's-note: Okay...can you even BEGIN to imagine the beat down Bama got from Michelle when they got back home??!! Oh to be a fly on that wall!)

(Alright...I'm done.)

















*Takes one...to know one.

When Newsmakers Make (Sad) News

Today will be a hard day.

Reports have been public for a while that The Cincinnati Enquirer will be laying off 100 employees this week, most of whom will know their fate before July 9th.

I know many people that work at the company.

I've read their numerous Facebook status updates of them trying to cope with this day.

To all my friends and acquaintances, who will be affected by this unfortunate time - whether as a part of management or as employee - my prayers are with each and every one of you.

I know how you must be feeling.

I have been there.

I offer you only what I know best...a prayer of hope...and serenity...

Serenity Prayer
by Reinhold Niebuhr

God, give us grace to accept with serenity
the things that cannot be changed,
Courage to change the things
which should be changed,
and the Wisdom to distinguish
the one from the other.

Living one day at a time,
Enjoying one moment at a time,
Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace,
Taking, as Jesus did,
This sinful world as it is,
Not as I would have it,
Trusting that You will make all things right,
If I surrender to Your will,
So that I may be reasonably happy in this life,
And supremely happy with You forever in the next.

Amen.

***UPDATE***

The entire staff of CiN Weekly was laid off as well as Peter Bronson and David Wells.

Source.

What Would Jesus' Face Do?

I've often wondered about Jesus' facial expressions while He was here on earth.

Were the people around Him able to read His emotions?

Did Jesus wear His emotions on His sleeve?

There have been numerous documentation in the Bible about the various human emotions that Jesus felt and experienced. There's no denying that while He felt sad, angry and disappointed, that those emotions would play out physically in His demeanor, gestures and expressions.

What I want to know is, how did Jesus (non-verbally, facially) react to those who persecuted or mistreated Him?

I've been pondering this more recently since I find myself trying to practice grace more and more in my daily life with people that are just plain ole rude and disgusting.

I know how to look past someone's despicable behavior and love them like Jesus would...that I have down pat. But it's the how I look when I'm doing it...that has me a little bewildered.

Because sometimes when I say, "God bless you," - to the countless mean sales clerks who don't even make eye contact with me and literally throw my merchandise and receipt at me - I can't even muster the strength for a fake smile. It's like my face doesn't match the words coming outta my mouth and I bet if someone were watching me in closed caption, they would think I was just mumbling a swear word.

Now, don't get me wrong, it's not like I have a sour puss face on...I think what would best describe my usual expression when confronted with obvious hatred and meanness would be...stone faced or emotionless.

In general I don't think there's anything wrong with that, but I don't feel right about it...and that's usually a strong (divine) indication, to me, that I need to change my behavior...ASAP.

Did Jesus put on a fake grin and exuberantly shout, "Bless you my son!" when someone spat in His face? Or did He just utter the words stone faced? I can't imagine Jesus ever being fake and insincere.

But I really want to know...what would Jesus' face do in a similar situation?

I do believe that I should be sincere in blessing those who curse me, otherwise, in God's eyes, I'd just be going through the motions.

And when I say to someone, "God bless you," after they have mistreated me, I sincerely mean it from the bottom of my heart, because I recognize that it's not the actual person that's doing it...but rather it's just a Satanic attack.

Now if I can just get my face to convey my sincerity...