Angela Q. Bertone's Blog, page 3

Livingston Parish Library Writers Group Invites Angela Q. Bertone To Speak On March 1st

Join me in Denham Springs at the parish library on March 1st at 6:30pm.  I will be sharing with others the joy of writing and publishing “Good Mourning Sunshine”.  I am honored by their invitation.

Thank you Livingston Parish Writers Group.

Livingston Parish Library Denham Springs 8101 HWY 190, Denham Springs, LA 70727.

Phone: 225-665-8118

LET IT BEGIN WITH ME

Let it begin with LOVE

There was a time in my life when I did not know that I was loved. Oh yes, I knew my Mom and Dad loved me and we kissed and hugged every night before going to bed. We had a very loving home and we even told each other “I love you”. As a small child I talked to God and I felt his love. I have five sisters and we all love each other too. However, sometimes,  deep down inside in my secret place,  I felt loved only if  I was good. Through my own perception in life, I somehow came to the conclusion that if I am good, I am loved and if I am bad then I will not be loved. So as you can image, I spent most of my life being good, so that I could feel secure and loved.

I guess you could call me an over achiever. I strived to make good grades without supervision; I kept a clean room and did my chores without being told. I grew up to be a clean freak and did my best to live the perfect life. I desperately worked hard for others approval, especially from my sisters. Little did I know my attempts actually built a grate chasm between us. I was 26 years old before anyone had the courage to tell me anything for fear of hurting me. However, one of my sisters could not stand it any longer and told me the truth. Words can not express my gratitude for what she did. You see she took a risk in telling me the truth. She risked hurting me and our relationship. The truth of the matter however, was our relationship was already hurting and there was already separation between us. If she had never had the courage to help me, I imagine that we may not have the close healthy relationship that we share today. “Thank you deeply, Sis, for loving me through our differences”.

Being number 5 of 6 girls, as you can image, I was often picked at and left out of the group. We have all heard 2 is company but 3 is a crowd. Well sisters 1 & 2 made company, sisters 3 & 4 made company but I was always the crowd.   My baby sister did not come along until I was 8 years old.  So you can see how this was part of the framework that developed my twisted need to be accepted and an over achiever. As an adult, I realize our sibling relationships were pretty normal. It is common for children to pick at each other and develop a pecking order of hierarchy. In this I also developed a zero tolerance towards bullies. I hated being picked at and I could not stand it when people at school picked on others. Furthermore, bulling or making an open spectacle of others, was detestable to me then and now.

I am not saying that I never succumbed to this terrible act. I sometimes wonder if I have ever hurt someone in this way and never apologized. Just the thought that I may have offended others without reconciliation in my past still hurts me today. I doubt if I hurt another in this way that they were able to forget it. So for the moment if you are out there and happen to read this post, and I was cruel to you, please let me know so that I can take the time to ask for your forgiveness.  I truly am sorry.

Oh I know that the world is a cruel place and we can not change people, but one person can make a difference. I also know that no family is perfect and we all have our issues. That is normal. I do however believe in relationship, love, compassion and understanding. These are the things that afford families to last and stand the test of time. So for today and I hope for the rest of my life, I take a stand for relationship, love, compassion, forgiveness and understanding. Every form of abuse should not be tolerated including, “emotional” abuse. I will open my mouth and not keep silent while others hurt needlessly. When deeds are brought to the light, bullies loose their power. The more people know about the abuser, the more difficult it becomes for them to continue. Moreover, when I fail others and find my own actions are hurtful, I hope that someone has the courage to open my eyes that I too might repent.

So back to feeling loved: Today, I know that I am loved and I no longer have the need to persuade others to like me or love me. I do not have the need to seek the approval of others. I can accept things as they are and respond in a healthy loving and caring way. I can not change my own self and I can not change others. I can love my self and I can love others. I trust that love will change what we can not.

I have found that in accepting my self and my faults, I am able to accept others. My relationship with my husband, children and others has changed for the better because of it. Loving unconditional is not my nature, but it is God’s nature. I must rely on his presence in me to love this way. Sometimes love must be tough, like the way my sister loved me with the brutal truth about my self. That is never easy, but we must take the same kind of courage that she displayed and love through the tough times.

Let it begin with me.

It all starts with God loving me first. I still am not able to comprehend how much God loves me, for if I could, it would be impossible for me to have fear. I have however, placed my foot onto a new path of enlightenment. I am also discovering how to love myself and others without condition. That even includes my personal bullies. Loving others however, does not mean accepting abuse of any kind. Loving others comes in many forms and I am learning new ways to love all the time. Starting with the truth about me and my own faults is a great place to begin. One thing I would like to mention though is just because I have started on this path, does not mean I will not make mistakes along the way.

This post is my personal invitation for you to join me. Take a look at your self. The real you, deep down, without any mask and discover who you really are. Then take some time and let faith, hope and your tears water the seed of God’s love in your heart. In time it will begin to grow. What this world needs now is Love sweet Love. I hope you will declare with me: “Let it begin with me”.

Book Signing Saturday Feb 11th

Host and creator of NUNB Women's Health Conference

New You New Body wellness conference will be held this Saturday at

Cypress Lakes Country Club at Ormond

10 Villere Dr. Destrehan, LA 70047.

Seating is limited, register now for 10.00 or at the door for 12.00. Door prizes, live Jazz music and shopping and lite snacks.  If anyone wants to be a vendor, tables are 30.00. Don’t miss out!

To register email Courtney Messerly  at  nynbfitness@gmail.com

An Impending Global Epidemic: Stress and Depression almost triple the risk of heart disease.

 

 

Help me I am dieing.

What is your heart?  Not only is it your most vital organ, but it is the very core of your spiritual self.  In the Old Testament, God promised to take out our hearts of stone and replace it with a heart of flesh.  He also promised to fill it with His spirit so that we would be lead by Him.  However, for years I have heard people say, “You can not trust your emotions!  They are your carnal nature they are your flesh.”  To that I say, cut off a piece of anger, I would like to examine it under the microscope.  Moreover, the reason they can not be trusted is because they are wounded and mangled.  Could you trust crippled legs to carry you?  There is no avenue of rehabilitation for spiritual wounds.  For you see, your emotions are your spiritual self.  I know the heart has been called evil above all things.  However, consider your thoughts.  That is were the evil resides.  God has told us to renew our minds.  Our body’s experiences emotion as a result of our environment, similar to our skin.  Our brain interprets the message and puts meaning to it.  Let me encourage you to lean not unto your own understanding or the interpretation of your emotions.  Rather, seek for God’s assistance for the interpretation.  After all he promised to lead you by your heart.  Scripture also says, “He who seeks the heart knows what the mind of the Holy Spirit is”.  I am aware that this particular scripture is actually speaking about Jesus, but Jesus told us to do what ever we saw him do and teach others to do the same.  He also said I speak nothing unless I hear the Father speak it and I do nothing unless I see the Father do it.  So we can rest assured that we too are to seek the heart.  Another way Jesus taught this was he instructed us to seek first the kingdom of God and all things would be added to us.  Where is the kingdom you might ask?  Scripture says the kingdom of God is inside of us.  Therefore if we seek to understand and know each others heart, are we not seeking the kingdom of God?

 

The physical heart pumps blood to the entire body to provide nutrients and oxygen, it also takes waste out of the body for purification.  Our emotions do the same thing in our relationships.    Love and kindness nurture our relationships and forgiveness cleanses our soul allowing our relationships to heal from hurts and to prosper.  When our relationships are wounded this causes a lot of stress.  Stress is one of the major factors of physical heart disease. So you see heart disease of the body is the replica of our spiritual heart disease.  Take time to inventory what your heart health is, both physical and spiritual.

 

7.2 million people die each year from heart disease.  51% of all marriages end in divorce.  Or we could say 51% of marital relationships die.  This does not take into consideration the relationships that die each year where marriage is not a factor.  We are facing a global problem with heart disease to the physical body and I commend those who are working to bring awareness to this issue.  I implore you to help bring awareness to spiritual heart disease.  Share this site and get involved.  Send me your ideas and comments.  Let’s get the conversation started.  It has to start somewhere, so why not here?

Shocking Testimony!

Help me Lord

Personal story: One day I was feeling pretty low. I wanted to feel God’s presence so I lifted my hands and began to pray. I asked God to come close to me and let me feel His presence. He responded “If I come out of you and stand in front of you so you could hug my neck, I would be further away from you than I am right now. I live in you.” “I know you live in me Lord, but…” was my reply. “No you don’t know that truth, your actions testify against you.” “Oh, my God, You are right! Forgive me Lord and help my unbelief.”

*

I never knew that I could confess that I believed something and it only be what I desired to believe.

*

What Actions Testify Guilty!

What actions do you have that are testifying against you?

*

Here is another one that testified against me.

*

I was praying about money one day and worried/concerned about my finances. God spoke and ask me “Do you know how much I love you?” “Yes Lord, I know how much you love me.” “Why then do you doubt me and my word? It tells you to work and I will bless the work of your hands. Your actions testify against you”. “You are right Lord, I am afraid and perfect love cast out all fear. Help me Lord to believe.”

Examine your actions and see where they are different from what you say you believe. It is a real eye opener.

Are you looking for music by Adele? Amazon Affiliate link click here

What’s Love Got To Do With It?

Love for a Lifetime

What’s love got to do with it?  Everything:

It has always been and will always be about love.

Here are some questions to ask your self.

Do you love others the way you want to be loved?

Maybe they don’t receive love the way you do.

Do you ask the ones you love:

“What makes you feel love from me?”

If you don’t, maybe you should consider it.

Everyone has their own love language.

Do you try different things to see what makes you feel love and appreciated?  Do you try different ways to show your love to your loved ones?  If not; you could start today.

Here are some thoughts to consider:

Some people receive love by hearing words of adoration and acceptance; while others feel loved by touch.  Time spent with others produces the feeling of love.  If you go out of your way to do something special may be another avenue.  Many of us desire gifts that express love, like chocolate, flowers, jewelry, music, books or a special card.  For your convenience  I have provided a link to some Valentine’s Day Top Gift Ideas (Amazon Affiliate link)

In showing your love to your family, don’t forget there may be someone in your life who feels forgotten.   Consider spreading a little love their way.  Loneliness is one of the worst sorrows to bear.  Reach out where and when you can.  Oh yea, and one more thing: Do not forget to show love to yourself.  Fill the cup of your own heart so that it is full when you need to give love to another.

There are countless ways to show your love.  I hope I have encouraged you to put some real thought into your love language and the language of the ones you love.  Remember to give love in their language not yours.  Everyone is different and loving others the way they desire is noticed and appreciated. Happy Valentines Day!

*Thank you God for loving us now and forever.

For God so loved this world that he gave his only begotten son.  Jesus did not have to suffer, but he did just that, so that he could understand your heart whenever it suffers.  To know you and your heart is his desire.  What is your desire?

Valentine’s Day Top Gift Ideas (Amazon Affiliate link)

The Shadow Embraced

Embrace Jesus Not His Shadow

“The Law” and “The Prophets:” Are shadows; shadows of things to come.  Religious festivals, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day: These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.  

So what is a shadow?  It is the area in which light can not reach a point because it is blocked by an object.  The shadow is the silhouette or the shape or the image of that very thing that is blocking the light.  The shadow occupies all of the space that the object blocks the light from reaching.  The angle from which the light shines can cause the shadow to appear longer or shorter than the object actually is.

A shadow precedes the object that is blocking the light until the object reaches a particular point and then the shadow falls behind the object.  The shadow is an image lacking light.  It is a foretelling; like a picture or symbol.  At present the only natural light that shines on the earth that has the ability to produce a shadow are the sun, moon and at times Venus. 

The Shadow Precedes The Real

So let’s look at this in a very practical since. 

If my husband came home from work and I embraced his shadow on the wall instead of him, he would think I had lost my mind.  However, we do the same with the word of God.  We embrace the law and the prophets even after Christ has come.  The law was fulfilled in Christ and sin gets its power from the law.  The law is fulfilled in this: “Love the Lord your God and your neighbor as yourself.”

 Without the law, sin has no power.  Yet some still seeks to put people under the law and call it grace. Rather it is a form of manipulation to secure their attendance, their behavior and the money of its members.  The Spirit of Love, against such there is no law: Is the desired path.  However, most people find comfort in rules instead of relationship; kind of like embracing the shadow on the wall and not my husband.  So let me encourage you.  It is time to embrace Jesus. He is love. He is the lover of your very soul. 

Sun: is the star in the center of the universe. The Son of God is to be the center of your heart and soul.

Moon: has no light of its own but reflects the light of the sun, and is the only natural satellite of the Earth.  Like the church, the moon has no light of its own; but only reflects the light of the Son.  First in proximity to the sun, Earth is like the first born of many Jesus and then his body. 

Venus: is named after the Roman goddess of love and beauty; second only to the moonlight in the night sky.  Venus is the second planet from the sun.  It is known as the “Morning Star” and “The Evening Star,” because it reaches its brightest moment just before sunrise and shortly after sunset. Venus is also known as the “Divine Mother of Praise.” 

Here Comes The Bride

The Bride is like unto Venus.  She is a goddess of love and beauty.  She is without blame.  She is , like a mother and her children.  A mother puts her children and her spouse first.  The Bride shines the brightest early in the moUrning and her King is the King of the broken hearted.  The word Eve and evening mean to give birth and she is the mother to a lost and dieing world.  She shines her love on the deaf and blind, binds up the broken hearted and heals their disease.  Who is this bride and where can she be found?