SHOWING LOVE CAN BE CONTAGIOUS !!!

"My phone is ringing", is the thought I'm having as I glance at the alarm clock next to my bed.  The glowing numbers reveal that it is 7:38 a.m. on this Saturday morning.  Glancing at the phone, I don't recognize the number, but I know it must be important.  From my "Hello" a conversation begins that would inspire me for the rest of the day.

The caller began by telling me how much he had enjoyed the "Be My Valentine" Community Social back in February. He explained that he felt there was a genuine desire amongst the JCN group to make each guest feel "LOVED" and how he had enjoyed himself and wanted to know how he could become a member of the network.  His expressions wasn't anything I hadn't heard before, yet a grateful feeling engulfed me just the same.  Grateful because something as simple as passing out hot dogs, chips, drinks and cupcakes to the public would touch the hearts of so many.  

Upon entering the community room on Valentine's Day, guest were greeted with a big smile and warm welcome from the host and hostess with the mostest - Vonzel Reynolds and Anita Salters.  The bright cheerful personalities of both caused the guest to immediately feel like it was party time.  So just as the caller, each guest decided to just "enjoy" themselves.  As  guest passed through the buffet line, Maggie Reshard served each one with an attitude of acceptance that charged the atmosphere even more. I can truly say that the meaning behind Valentine's Day was being fulfilled within the room.  

As each guest sat down to have lunch, introductions and conversation began to flow effortlessly.  The  laughs and exchange of information ranging from common interests to business collaborations, was the music of the room.  The melodious chatter of senior citizens, college students, artists, entrepreneurs, church and community youth filled the room of B.L. Perry Library.  The beautiful scene was one that even now, more than a month later brings a smile to my heart.  

The caller and myself laughed about the funny photo booth pictures and agreed that it was such a great addition to the event.  Witnessing the transformation of strangers into a community was the highlight of the activity. Seeing each guest cheering the other on during their individual photo session was priceless.  Our double duty volunteer Vonzel Reynolds helped the guest embody the essence of the characters they created, as our photographer.  With his direction, the guest let go and just allowed the fun, cheerful, and carefree side of their personality to show forth.

Truly the photos alone tell the story of the colorful characters thought up in the minds of the guest, yet having been apart of the live experience brings up memories that cause me to throw my head back and laugh out loud. 

For many in the charitable community the word "outreach" is comprised of the passing out of supplies in various forms to those in the community, however, to JCN Inc. it is much more than the giving of material items.  The emotional, mental, and spiritual connections that are fostered in association with any outreach events we host is the most important aspect.  This event brought all aspects into full fruition.  The proof being the caller on the other end of the phone.

Although the addition of a new member is wonderful, the fact that he will join a network of persons that share the same commitment towards helping others is awesome.  The event was the result of a combined effort of JCN Inc. members and community supporters such as:  

Donald R. Howard

Robert Thomas Jr.

Anita Salters

Jasmin McMillian

Grady Monroe

Brown Brothers Cleaning

Vonzel Reynolds

Maggie Reshard

Voncil Evans

Felicia Wyche - Johnson

Kathy and Evelyn Paramore

Lee and Kimberly Thomas

Glory Brown

Leslie Patterson

Leon County 

Health Department

Bond Community

Health Center

Country Club

Community Center

Touched By Angels Daycare Center

What a great bunch of people. We were fortunate to be able  to make the Valentine's Day of others one that was filled with food, fun, and friendship.  Showing Love can be contagious in the best kind of way.

WILL YOU BE MY VALENTINE

VALENTINES DAY is thought to be the DAY OF LOVE, by young and old alike.  It is a day where chocolates enclosed in a pretty red box and red roses express unspoken words in ways that melt the receivers heart.  Many of us will be privileged to experience the spreading of warmth through our faces as these LOVE gifts are presented to us.  And let's be honest it feels good.  We ALL want to know that someone is thinking of us and feeling Love in their heart for us.

One of the most unique things about Valentine's Day is that it is a day that lends us the opportunity to show LOVE in many diverse ways.   The most encouraging example for me is when school children take boxed Valentine's Cards to pass out to everyone in the class.   Everyone receives a Valentine Card resulting in every child leaving to go home with a plethora of cards.

Although the experience of our childhood Valentine's Day has lost it's sense of awe now that were grown, we still have the memories that still bring happiness to our hearts.   The feeling of happiness is evoked when we know we will be receiving a card; but it's even more special when you weren't expecting to receive anything from anyone.

And more impactful than whom you received the card from, are the word expressed on it.  Just thinking back on those childhood cards, I believe they expressed sentiments that helped to build our confidence.  Sentiments such as:  "You're Special", ""I Think Your Sweet", " You Rock Valentine" and my favorite "BE MY VALENTINE".

This is the statement JCN Inc. will be asking members of the community during our annual "BE MY VALENTINE" LOVE SOCIAL.  Last years social was absolutely awesome and we would like to top it.  We are looking for partners to join our effort to show LOVE and bring a smile to the faces of many.

If you would like to donate money, food items or volunteer to help serve please call (850) 270 - 3181 or email us at jewelsconnection@hotmail.com.  

I KNOW YOU vs. I KNOW OF YOU.

How often have we either heard or have said, "I know you" when we've encounter a familiar face.  In some instances, we maybe able to recall that persons name, yet more than likely we can not.  The mere recognition of the persons face triggers a reflection within time, in which you experienced something pertaining to that person.  You may not even be able to state the "when" or "where", but you  "know" the person.  Or do you really?

In our society today, we have multiple avenues of "meeting" people. With all of the different social media platforms, group class activities such as gyms, dance, zumba or class settings, we have the opportunity to become familiar with various people at once.  Although we may have shared a space in time in the presence of the person, we still can't claim to "know" them.  Knowing a person will require time dedicated to dialogue that will give you personal insight into that persons life experience.

As a way to foster true relationships among those persons we encounter within the business, community and spiritual community,JCN began hosting fellowship nights.  The "KNOW THOSE WHO LABOR AMONG YOU" Fellowship events, are open to everyone and promotes unity among the participants.

The first fellowship took place at Up In Smoke BBQ during the Christmas Holidays.  The group enjoyed learning facts about each person at the table through their participation in answering questions such as "If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?"  The answers revealed not only their dream destination, but allowed many to learn there was various commonalities amongst the group.  In addition, group participation exercises brought about a roar of laughter as participant were required to sing the lyrics to the Christmas Carol found under their napkin.  The discovery of those who are gifted singers and those that are not was quickly revealed, yet the camaraderie was priceless.

The second fellowship took place at Ziggy's and wasunknowingly planned on a day that conflicted with many of the participants schedules.  Although, the number of participants was reduced this fellowship brought a refreshing bonding between the men participating that night.  From a female perspective, the open and candid sharing of advice, life experience, and motivation was an occurrence scarcely witness in the competitive world of today; especially due to the fact that they were meeting for the first time. The group exercise of the night was "WHO AM I".  The participants each pulled an index card from the stack, and held the card up to the other, revealing a cartoon character.  The person viewing the card revealed clues to the person holding the card, until he was able to guess the identity of the cartoon character.  The exchange was hilarious, the descriptions of the characters was colorful and offer up details that were on point and some that was not even close.  The fun was so obvious until the Owner of the restaurant had to join us in the photo to show support.

Both nights of fellowship allowed persons from different backgrounds, social/economic backgrounds, age ranges and most of all different church and/or non church affiliations to come together in a bond of unity.  The fostering of dialogue and activities reveal insight that allowed a direct exchange of knowledge about each person.  And exchange which gave a foundation to building relationships within the participating group to truly get to "KNOW" each other.

We encourage you to participate in the next fellowship event "BOWLING" in the month of March.  Details will be posted here on the blog.  We look forward to getting to "KNOW" you.

PARTY OVER HERE ! PARTY OVER THERE! THEY'RE PARTYING EVERYWHERE

February 7, 2014, was the launch of the National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.   Public Health Service Providers and Community Service Organizations all over the country sponsored HIV Awareness Events.  The offering of information, free testing, counseling and medication assistance was presented to the general public through each of these events.

Within our local area, the Bond Community Health Center sponsored a community  BLOCK PARTY in observance of this most important day of awareness.  This event was open to other Healthcare Providers, Community Service Organizations, Business' and Spiritual Entities, as a partnership opportunity.  Each one was encouraged to set up an information table highlighting their HIV Campaign and/or services.

Jewels Covenant Network Inc. answered the call and set up an information tent.  Throughout the course of the day visitors from the surrounding community visited our table and filled their bags with informational brochures and received a special treat for being tested at the Mobile Health Unit on site.

Many of our visitors expressed that it was a "relief" to not wonder about their status any longer.  JCN's HIV Awareness Campaign slogan (SELF+LOVE=KNOWING) brought about a dialogue that opened the doorway for us to share even more of the informational facts we in the African American community must become mindful of and share with each other.  One such fact is that in Florida, approximately 100,000 people are HIV positive and 1 in 49 Black Floridians are currently living with HIV infection.  The misconception that testing requires health insurance or will cost a fee, has deterred many from seeking their personal results.  This is a false perception.  There are numerous testings sites that are FREE OF CHARGE.  Results are confidential and trained counselors are available to provide pre/post testing counseling.

If you or someone you know has not been tested in the Tallahassee or surrounding area contact: 

Bond Community Health Center
1720 S. Gadsden St.
Tallahassee, FL 32301
(850) 576 -4073

FOUNDER'S DESK: HOLD TO HIS HAND.

Hello Readers.  

As always it is a true pleasure to be able to use this medium to impart unto you a Word of Encouragement.  In recent months, many of you and I have had some awesome talks, shed tears of anguish and joy, and became overcomers by the words of our testimonies.  Testimonies that were only possible because we CHOSE to HOLD TO GOD’S UNCHANGING HAND.

Growing up I heard this song sang with an energy which caused the entire membership of the church to rock back and forth; as though the words of the song caused their souls to dance within.  Needless to say, it has always been one of my favorite songs.  And recently after singing it at church, I was lead to write down the words to share with you.  The verses of the songs says:

Time is filled with swift transition, naught of earth unmoved shall stand.  Build your hopes on things eternal.  Hold to God’s unchanging hand!

Chorus:  Hold to his hand, to God’s unchanging hand!  Hold to his hand, to God’s unchanging hand?  Build your hopes on things eternal, Hold to God’s unchanging hand!

Trust in Him who will not leave you.  Whatsoever years may bring.  If by earthly friends forsaken, still more closely to Him cling!

Chorus:  Hold to his hand, to God’s unchanging hand!  Hold to his hand, to God’s unchanging hand.  Build your hopes on things eternal, Hold to God’s unchanging hand.

Covet not this world’s vain riches, that so rapidly decay.  Seek to gain the heavenly treasures, they will never pass away.

Chorus:  Hold to his hand, to God’s unchanging hand.  Hold to his hand, to God’s unchanging hand.  Build your hopes on things eternal, Hold to God’s unchanging hand.

When your journey is completed, if to God you have been true.  Fair and bright the home in glory, your enraptured soul shall view!

Chorus:  Hold to his hand, to God’s unchanging hand!  Hold to his hand, to God’s unchanging hand.  Build your hopes on things eternal, Hold to God’s unchanging hand.

Chorus:  Hold to his hand, to God’s unchanging hand!  Hold to his hand, to God’s unchanging hand.  Build your hopes on things eternal, Hold to God’s unchanging hand.

Throughout these past 11 months, many of us – YES US, have experienced an adventurous ride on the roadway of LIFE.   A ride that has taken us down some unexpected bends, sharp turns, elevated mountains and some of the deepest valleys.  But the GOOD NEWS is that we knew to kept our hand in the Lord's hand, no matter how heart wrenching the ride became.  I took a moment to look up the definition of HAND in my study bible, as it relates to God and it said: 

Hand – the end of the arm that serves as a grasping and handling tool for humans; symbolic of power. 

The phrase "The end of the arm that serves as a grasping and handling tool for humans." – continued to resonate within me so I inquiried about the “end of the arm….)  And this is what I received through the Word.

Isaiah 52:10

King James Version (KJV) 
¹⁰ The Lord hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.

Isaiah 52:10

New Living Translation (NLT)
10 The Lord has demonstrated his holy power before the eyes of all the nations. All the ends of the earth will see the victory of our God.

Exodus 15:6 
New Living Translation (NLT)
“Your right hand, O Lord, is glorious in power.
Your right hand, O Lord, smashes the enemy.

⁶ 

*Right Hand: A figure of speech that represents God’s ultimate power and authority, and where the exalted Jesus Christ now sits.

Chorus:  Hold to his hand, to God’s unchanging hand!  Hold to his hand, to God’s unchanging hand.  Build your hopes on things eternal, Hold to God’s unchanging hand.

John 10:27-30
King James Version (KJV)

²⁷ My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
²⁸ And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
²⁹ My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
³⁰ I and my Father are one.

**The strength of God is made known in creation and redemption and in his empowering of believers to live faithfully.

My sheep. They listen to Jesus, and they follow Him. These believers show renewal in the new direction and commitment of their lives.

The Lord gives His sheep the endless life of fellowship with God. He protects them from perishing, according to the infallibility of divine grace; and He allows no one to snatch them from His hand. The saints persevere because God preserves them. The sheep are not able to snatch themselves out of God’s hand because the divine Shepherd will keep all of His true sheep from eternally straying. The solemn warnings of Scripture against apostasy are not intended to cause doubts about God’s perseverance with those He has saved.

The Father’s hand. The hand of the Shepherd is also the Father’s hand, and the supreme power of God is the ultimate guarantee of the sheep’s safety.

As we end the year of 2013, we will begin to consider changes we would like to make in this upcoming year.  Our yearning to see or experience better things in this New Year, will cause many to make resolutions or set goals that will be their "fool proof" plan.  And thats fine, if that's what you chose for your life.  However  I'm more inclined to follow the insight of the song, in understanding that "Time is filled with swift transition, naught of earth unmoved shall stand.  Build your hopes on things eternal.  Hold to God’s unchanging hand!"  This has PROVEN to work in my life, so I'm going to continue to HOLD to his hand- My God's Unchanging Hand.

Blessings Readers