Angela Q. Bertone's Blog, page 2

7 Tips for Being the Best You

1. Your past pain and present pain are gifts that shape the person you are today and the person you will become. Let your trials produce patience, kindness and understanding for today.

2. What really matters is what you think about yourself. Put on the mind of Christ–or in other words, think as he does. 1 John 3:20-21 states, “For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things.” Beloved, if our heart condemns us not, then have we confidence in God.

3. You have heard the saying, “Time heals all wounds.” Well, God says that he is time. He is the alpha and the omega; the beginning and the end. Trust in Jesus, for he is the king of the brokenhearted, and he cares for you personally.

4. When you judge others, you are setting yourself up for the same treatment. Rather, when you see someone who is doing something that you do not approve of, realize that that person was sent into your life as a warning to open your eyes to your future.

Jesus himself prayed that we would all be one. If you believe he will have all of his prayers answered, then treat others as if they are already one with you. Pray for others and yourself. Realize that others are your mirror. The Book of Matthew tells us that by the same measure we judge others, we will also be judged. Jesus later said that your own words will judge you. Ouch. Wouldn’t you rather be judged through eyes of mercy than eyes of disapproval?

5. Trust that God has a plan for you and is working everything out for your good, even when it does not look or feel like it. In the Book of Jeremiah, he said he has plans to prosper us and plans for our future. The Book of Romans also tells us, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

6. Your understanding will affect your happiness. Joy is found in knowing the truth. God is truth. He is speaking truth through all that has been created. Seek understanding, and know this as well: Opposites attract. So if you have a negative thing in your life at the present, that negative is your evidence that a positive is on its way to you.

7. In all of this you can rejoice. So smile and remind yourself that all is well; this too shall pass. Life is a circle. It is bittersweet. So have a cup of coffee or a piece of chocolate, and be reminded how wonderful life is even in the midst of hard times.

Yes You Can

In this post, I will spend a few moments just being really frank with you about my passions. You see, as a writer who planned on writing something for others to read for approximately 25 years before I actually did it, I feel qualified to talk about this subject.

Dare to dream

Dreams are great, but until I decided to act on them, that is all that they were: just my dreams. For much of my life, strangers, customers and sometimes acquaintances would often ask to purchase my books. It always came as a surprise; I did not realize they thought I was a writer. You see, they knew before I did that I was a writer. They could see my passion and my dreams when I spoke. My problem was that I never had any books to sell them. I was not living my life to the fullest, so I would answer, “Oh, I’m sorry, I don’t have any books.”

“Well, you should,” was typically their reply.

At first I would feel honored and flattered, but then I would feel disappointed in myself. I was never moved enough to actually accomplish anything that I dreamed of doing. So I continued serving as a speaker when asked, and co-hosted women’s retreats whenever and wherever I could. I did write some articles and a homemade manual for these retreats, and I started a book about money matters, but I never actually followed through to the end. I would work on them in my spare time or when I needed last-minute resources for my role as a guest speaker. Again and again I would suffer this disappointment when an interested, enthusiastic participant asked to buy my book, and I would have to repeat that I was sorry, but I had not completed my work. It was a dream, but not a priority.

That was until last year, when my husband Michael began to prompt me to publish “that book” I was working on. As you can imagine, I had so many that I had started that I did not know which one he was referring to. “You know, the one that everyone needs,” he said. “You have to finish it. People need it.” Well, as a writer, I felt like everything I wrote was needed by my readers–whoever they were.

I often hear people ask, “Where do you get the energy? What makes you think you can do this? Who do you think you are?”, while others say, “Please write more! Your book changed my life! Oh . . . you are a self published author? Where can I buy your books? What else are you writing?”

Hot air used in the right way can lift you up

As you can see, I have those who are my encouragement, while others seek to tear me down and are actually insulted that I had the audacity to believe in my work.

What I have come to realize is that my work is valuable. I do have stories, and lots of them. I find joy in telling them and I find more joy in hearing what others have to say about them. It is simply rewarding to accomplish my dreams. We all have them, or at least we’ve had them at some point in our lives.

I want to encourage you to live your dreams. If you have lost them, ask God to resurrect them or to birth in you a new dream. Reach deep inside of your heart and discover what it is in life that makes you tick. What brings you joy? What puts a kick in your step? Then talk about it, write about it, brainstorm about it and then act on it. When you encounter resistance or are discouraged by those who tear you down, remove yourself from those influences. Find people who will support you. There are plenty online who will offer encouragement and inspiration by way of blogs, Facebook, websites, etc. Look for us. We are here, just waiting to share our dreams and to help you to believe in yours.

Resistance can make you stronger. That is why lifting weights is such a popular form of exercise.

Strengthen your dreams

Failure, on the other hand, is just learning what not to do next time. Everyone falls down. That is how we learn to walk.

November Calendar of Events

On November 10th, I will be at Sonlife Christian Store in Denham Springs, LA, for a book signing and sidewalk sale. The store is located at 7755 Magnolia Beach Rd., Ste. Q, in Denham Springs. Please call (225) 978-0232 for more information.

I will be story-telling and signing books with two other Louisiana authors on November 16th at the Hammond Downtown Development District’s 8th Annual Starry November Night. This event is scheduled to run from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Louisiana Children’s Discovery Center, located at 113 N. Cypress in Hammond. For more information, visit the Louisiana Children’s Discovery Center website or call (985) 340-9150.

Ariane O’Pry, who illustrated “Mary’s Christmas”, is the official artist of the Starry November Night festivities. Ariane will be drawing caricatures, so come out and bring the children for lots of family fun.

On Saturday, November 17th, I will be at the New Orleans Bookfair & Media Expo from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The fair will be held at 725 Magazine St., across from the Farmers Market.

I will be appearing at the Largest Kids Event Ever at the Baton Rouge River Center from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Saturday, December 1st.

A release party for “Mary’s Christmas” hosted by the Creative Minds Writers Group will be announced soon.

From Perishable to Imperishable. Corruption Shall Put on Incorruptibly

Where is the real you? Take a deep look inside and find out.

Have you ever asked why all this suffering? How can God be a loving, compassionate God and yet allow all this suffering to exist in the earth? Well I have.

You see, I know and hear his voice and my life is mostly happy and joyful, but when I see others suffer it breaks my heart and my soul cries out for mercy on all mankind.

One day while I was lying on the floor and weeping over the atrocities that happen in this place we call earth, I asked God why. Why did he allow such horror?

I do not like to admit that I questioned God, but he knows my heart and I long for the peace on earth and good will toward men: All men and women all over the world.

Well He did give me an answer. I am not sure I like it, but it did give me hope and a since of peace.

Let the darkness in me be transformed into a glorious light.

I was silent as I reflected on his response to me. He then proceeded.

“The farmer knows that if the grapes are not transformed from grape juice to wine, they will rot and will no longer be useful. The corruptible grapes become incorruptible through the process of being crushed and then aged. Wine is also called strong drink or spirits. Likewise, mankind is being transformed from corruptible to incorruptible. If you look at all that is around you, the answers are there for you to behold. Wisdom waits and even cries out to you. Seek to understand and truth will be revealed in all that you do. I have given you faith, hope and love and the greatest of these is love. In time you will see, understand and behold true love. In that day peace and joy will abound. Take courage and remember I am with you and even in you”.

I still cry over the suffering but I do know and feel His love. I am able to remember this story and find trust in knowing that Gods love is greater than anything. I must remember that I lack knowledge and understanding but I do have his love and I must trust in him. I hope that I can make a difference in this wounded world and I hope that you will do the same. Be you, be true and be courageous. Let love rule in you.

For that which is corruptible can not hold back that which is incorruptible.

Discovery of The Hidden Treasure

Note to self. You are Loved! It is ok to live your dream and be true to yourself.

This life is truly amazing. All across this world lives are being lived while others are ending. Some lives end in tragedy while others simply fall asleep after a long wonderful life. So many questions about why, how and when allude us all.

So what do we do with all of these unanswered questions? For me the answer is live one day at a time and live it to the fullest; for I never know if or when tragedy may strike me or if I am afforded the life where I simply wake up on the other side while living my dreams. A new found social inspiration called “Get Stronger, Girlfriend” inspired this post.

Since I desire the later, I live like peace and joy is my fate, however, knowing that each day is a gift and I desperately don’t want to take it for granted.

Everyday I wake up and pamper myself just a little to remind me I am valued and loved. I drink a warm cup of coffee, sometimes alone just me and God and sometimes with my husband. There seems to always be laughter, smiles and a great since of peace in this daily ritual.

After that, I plan my day and ask myself what I can do this day to live out my dreams. As you can imagine, I love to write so I most definitely do that most of the time first thing in the morning. I am usually barefooted and in my PJ’s. Sometimes, I write on my blog while others I simply search my social media friends and comment to what inspires me most.

I am passionate about my heart and yours. In our hearts is where our treasures lie. Have you ever considered that in the story books and fairy-tales, the King buries his treasures in a chest under the earth? Well my King is no different, Jesus says I am His treasure and he has placed his treasures in a chest under the earth; that’s me. I am made of dust and my heart is in my chest. I just love how all of creation tells me little truths like this. You too are his treasure. You may have to dig deep to find it though. It depends on how deep you have buried your self.

Are you loving and living your life? If not; why? Start today. Make just one change and do something that shows yourself that you are wonderfully made.

Do you think the world will treat you good first and then you will soon follow? That is backwards. Love yourself, take care of you and watch how the world begins to change around you. As a man (woman) thinks, so is he. Maybe it all starts in how you think; Just something to consider.

It Is Almost Here – “Mary’s Christmas”

It is almost here. I can hardly wait. Last year when my mother asked me to write a story about Mary, I thought it was a great idea, but the sorrows associated with loosing her quickly pushed aside the thoughts of writing. It wasn’t until I was asked to write a Christmas story for “Hug” magazine created by Scott Innes (the voice of Scooby Doo), that I remembered my mother’s request.

One day while I was caring for my mother, she asked me if I had ever considered what Mary’s life was like as a child. I had spent some time thinking about the sorrow she must have suffered as a mother, to watch Jesus die, but I had never thought of her life in any other way. Mom’s gentle urging pushed me to think about it. We talked about being moms and how she missed us being little: “Us”, being my five sisters and me.

She asked me to write a fiction story about Mary and her little lamb. The story had to parallel the story of her and Jesus, but it also had to be about how God might have prepared Mary for this amazing and difficult request. I truly can’t imagine being the mother of the son of God.

In writing “Mary’s Christmas”, I could not stop writing as the story became so dear to my heart. I have since written two more books. My Easter version will be released March 2013 and the last of the trilogy will be released sometime next fall. The Kindle versions will be interactive with voice over and music, so they are taking longer than normal. “Mary’s Christmas” Kindle version should be out next fall.

I will continue to keep you posted as my calendar fills with book signings, festivals and story time for schools and Churches. Thank you for your continued support and spreading the news about “Mary’s Christmas.

May this story bring children of all ages back to the true meaning of Christmas. I see this book becoming a family tradition as year after year moms and dads read this story to children all over the world on the night before Christmas.

More Time Needed To Blog

Mary had a little lamb.

Hello everyone,

I just wanted to take a minuet to say “I am sorry”. I have been working so many hours; I have not been able to blog or stay in touch. Moreover, I have been advised that my email has not been working properly. If I have not responded to your email, please try again after I post a notice, that it has been fixed. I have sent a message to my web master and I hope it will be working real soon.

Just a note to those of you who may not follow me on FB; mark your calendars for Nov 2012. Scott Innes, the voice of Scooby Doo, asked me to write a Christmas story for his new magazine “Hug”. As you can imagine I was extremely happy to do so. The story was such a success, that I have written a full color children’s book called “Mary’s Christmas”. A short version will debut in the Christmas edition of Hug magazine, and the book will be available for purchase this November, just in time for Christmas. I hope it will become a tradition in your family to read this to your children and grandchildren for years to come. Maybe we can all be a part of a tradition in the making.

Please stay in touch as I will be giving you some hints about it real soon. Even though it is a children’s book, it has already brought some adults to the brink of tears. I trust you will love it and share it with others.

God Bless and thank you for your understanding.

What do I have to do to graduate from this place?

I had an aha moment this week.  I was visiting a loved one at a nursing home/assisted living facility, when he asked me:

Make memories. They last into eternity.

“What do I have to do to graduate from this place?”

I am really glad I did not answer what my mind was thinking.

In response, I lied and said, “I don’t know”.

The truth is I do know, but I did not have the heart to speak the truth.  You see in order to graduate from that place would be to pass from this life into the next.  Oh, we have discussed dying and he is ready to die.  He actually told me quite a few times, “I am really tired and I just want to go home”.  I held his hand and leaned my cheek to his as we cried.  We talked about my Maw-maw and Paw-paw and my Mom.  We imagined what that day would be like and he told stories of yesterdays gone by.

We shared laughter, tears and love.  He had moments where his mind was sharp and moments where it was not so much.  But I am grateful for the good moments.

After I left, I had a hard time remembering the funny things he said and wished I had them on tape.  The next time I went to visit, I took a tape recorder and hoped for more really good moments; which I was able to capture on tape.  You know, I kept saying I was going to do that before my mom passed, but I never did.  I guess I was not ready to accept the fact that she would be leaving me soon.  Today however, I regret not bringing my tape recorder and capturing her wonderful spirited ways of story telling.  Now I must rely on my memory to recreate her stories.

So if someone you love will be leaving you soon and you have the luxury of knowing it, take a video or tape recorder and capture their words, their pauses, their tone and wonder to share or just remember.

Thank you Uncle: For all the memories of the past and the ones I hope to make before you move on.

Can You Hear Them Speak?

Three Things in Creation That Are Speaking To You Now

                                                                                   Can You Hear Them?

Did you know, the sun never moves but we do?

The earth moves towards the sun and away from the sun.  This is how we experience day and night.

Our relationship with God is like this.  The Son of God, Jesus,  never moves away from us.

We move away from him and towards him.  We have moments of God Consciousness and moments of God unconsciousness.

Feeling guilty over this situation I asked God why I did this and I apologized to him for my behavior.  He responded to me by saying:

“So you are angry with your children when they fall asleep?”

 “No”, I replied.  “I think they are beautiful when they are asleep and I am happy they are getting their needed rest”.

“Me too”  was his reply.

“I do not like this God, I feel like I am failing you”.  “Please help me”. “Why did you make me this way”?

“For the joy of rediscovery”.

“Wow!  God you are amazing.  Thank you for giving me a new perspective and showing me how much you love me.  Your truth is setting me free from guilt.”

Did you know that the Word of God is compared to water?  Our bodies are made mostly of water.  Water comes from the heavens and from under the earth.  God’s word comes from heaven and from deep down in our souls.  Proverbs says that all of God’s fountains are inside of us.  Water cleans us and refreshes our bodies.  The nature of water is to surrender itself to the lowest of lows.  Water flows down to bring life to all.  God’s word is the same.  It can fall on us or rise up from within us.  It cleanses us and refreshes us.  No matter how low we get God will send his word.  Water rains and God’s word reigns.  He made himself of no reputation and surrendered his life so we could live.  Jesus is called the word of God.  Pray for God to reign in you through his son.

Did you know that life is in the blood?  Consider this: your blood pumps through your heart and brings nutrients to your body while at the same time cleanses your body by removing toxins.  Your blood leaves your heart clean and travels through your body and before entering the heart again, it must be cleansed by your lungs.  Jesus through your spiritual heart moves upon your emotions through your heart with pure love and forgiveness.  Love travels through your spiritual heart delivering truth, light and hope.  It picks up toxins (lies and sin) and cleanses you restoring your relationship to God our Father.  Scripture calls joy and gladness oil or anointing.  We call joy and gladness emotions.  Without emotions we do not have relationship.  So we can say the life of relationships is in the emotions.  Blood pumps through our hearts and emotions pump through our hearts.  Blood is physical and emotions are spiritual.  If you study how the physical blood works you can better understand how the spiritual blood (emotions) works.  One more thing to think about.  Heart disease is the number 1 killer in America.

Tangi Lifestyles Publishes Unsolicited Book Review

In the April- May 2012 issue of Tangi Lifestyles, “Good Mourning Sunshine” received it’s first official unsolicited book review.  Sarah Jacobi Tindall published her book review for local readers to consider “GMS” as a good read for Lent.  Click here to read