GloriaCarissa

Jane/Finch Salvation Army

2010-11-19T08:14:00.000-08:00

Growing up with a father and mother, both pastors of a Salvation Army church, Alice
learnt about empathy early and was destined to helping the less fortunate.

While other little girls were playing with dolls and jumping ropes, little Alice Ludiazo Nsona was volunteering at her parents’ church in her homeland of Africa. Growing up with a father and mother, both pastors of a Salvation Army church, Alice learnt early about empathy and was destined to be involved in helping the less fortunate.

At age twelve, Alice was reading the bible at bible study, singing in the choir and baking goodies for the church along side her family. As a child, she and her brothers and sisters moved around quite a bit because of their parents’ commitment to the Salvation Army and to the people they helped which explains her passion for helping others. After graduating from high school, she attended college where she obtained a Business Administration degree and met her husband, Alain S. Luasu. Alice and her husband have been pastors at The Salvation Army Yorkwoods Community Church in the Jane and Finch community since 2006. “When I informed my friends that I would be working in this area of the city, they warned me that it was a bad place to work,” she stated. “Prior to taking the position as Spiritual Care Pastor and Family Services Director, I took the opportunity to visit the neighbourhood and was impressed with the pleasant people after such negative comments. The neighbourhood is multi-cultural and family-oriented and quite safe,” Alice continued. “I think it was more difficult at first, especially with the young children, but now I look forward to coming here because I realize I can do something to help.”

When asked how she manages to separate the despair and poverty in the community from her personal life, she answered, “It’s very hard to witness so many people coming in for food and hearing their stories but knowing that I’m making a difference in their lives is a good feeling.” She continued, “I think it was more difficult at first, especially with the young children, but now I look forward to coming here because I realize I can do something to help the community.”

Alice and her husband are parents to one son and two daughters and she still finds time to continue her education to obtain her masters in Divinity in Counselling at a Christian university and is in her office Monday to Friday serving the community. Every Sunday morning at 10 o’clock, the family can be found at the Yorkwoods Community Church welcoming everyone, regardless of race, nationality or background. Along with the demanding food bank, the community also takes advantage of other services which include Ladies Night; an after school program called KidZone; a clothing bank; counselling and immigration referrals; ABC program which distributes lunches to area schools; and the annual Christmas program which distributes gifts to youth from newborn to eighteen years of age.

She proudly added, “Last year we distributed over one thousand toys to community youth.”

Her prominent friendly smile is apparent that Alice enjoys helping people and it is obvious that she is appreciated through the hugs and respect she receives from the grateful clients. She can’t imagine leaving the Jane and Finch neighbourhood anytime soon and looks forward to doing more to help the community. The Salvation Army Yorkwoods Community Church is located at 20 Yorkwoods Gate and Pastor Alice can be reached at 416-631-7222, ext. 103.

THIS IS A RE-POST FROM COMMUNITY HEROS

Words of Inspiration

2010-11-04T12:07:00.000-07:00

"No matter how many people are in the crowd;

God will find you when you call his name." - Gloria

ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY:

Be Blessed Words of Inspiration

http://amzn.com/1452895627

Believe

2010-10-25T09:25:00.000-07:00

Life is filled with so many obstacles, struggles and challenges but we must never lose hope. 'There is no hope without faith'. Sometimes we ask ourselves "why me, God?" but we should ask ourselves "why not me, God?"

I believe we must travel our journey in darkness and sadness sometimes; in order to seek, find and appreciate our own light. Sometimes our blessings are right in front of our eyes, yet we seek more. Today, I give God the glory for being an awesome God. My blessings are definitely right in front of my eyes and I accept and appreciate the blessings God is laying upon my daughter.

On Sunday, she was awarded her fourth award for her academic success and her contribution to the community; Today, I check our mailbox and guess what? There was, yet, another cheque for her; Feeling very blessed, I decided to check our email and found another scholarship award to be awarded to her on November 25th; and Did I forget to mention that she will be picking up another award on November 2nd? God is an awesome God!!

The message here, goes out to all young people, who are facing some form of barriers in their life right now. Please don't give up on your dream and remember that hard honest work will take you far; get you noticed; and lift you up.

Be blessed.

Destined to Succeed

2010-10-02T03:27:00.001-07:00

When our children are able to read; they are destined to succeed. And when our black children see themselves in literature, they are empowered to open a book.

http://booksofcolour.blogspot.com/

Patience; Acceptance; and RESPECT

2010-10-02T02:27:00.000-07:00

I was shocked and saddened (and OUTRAGED) to read about the young gay man who commited suicide over a sex video his roommates made of him in New Jersey recently.

The young man, Tyler Clement, jumped from a bridge to his death upon learning that his classmates secretly taped him having sex with another young man and broadcasted it over the internet. Tyler left a note to his Facebook friends that read: “Jumping off the gw bridge sorry.”

The two young men have been charged with invasion of privacy - illegally taping Clementi having sex and broadcasting it over the internet. But since their actions lead to a young man's death, shouldn't they be charged with more than just 'invasion of privacy'?

In closing, I just want to say that this is not the first time someone felt it was okay to hurt somone they felt was different and it probably will not be the last time, but until we learn to acknowledge and respect one another, this will not cease. Tyler Clementi is no longer alive; his parents have lost a son; his contribution to the world will never be known; and life goes on until it happens again. NO ONE has the right to judge or hurt someone else. Just because someone does something or lives a different lifestyle doesn't give anyone authority to judge. Stop with 'Judging Others' and start with 'Patience; Acceptance; and Respect'.

Be blessed.

Priceless

2010-10-01T04:33:00.000-07:00

It is such a wonderful feeling when someone says something nice to you about the impact you are making in their life. I am very fortunate to have people in my life that uplift me and I would like to take the time to say thank you to some very special people for making me feel good about something I love doing because 'kindness is priceless'.

I sincerely appreciate your support of my book; your precious time it took to read my book; and your friendship for accepting me as I am.

GLORIA FINISHED YOUR BOOK IT WAS UPLIFTING. - Randall E. Brown

Hello Gloria . . . I have read your book and I truly love it. I purchased a copy for my Mom, who I know will treasure your thoughts and words. "True beauty is reflected in your treatment of othe...rs." Your words are simple, yet profound. Often we forget that the easiest way to find peace is through love.Thank you for sharing your work with me. Lots of love. - Giselle MacLean

I wish the world could read and live your postings! Keep it up girl ,we need more people like you.Love you! - David Mccormick

'BE BLESSED' is written from my heart and is available at http://amzn.com/1452895627

In My EYES

2010-09-08T10:07:00.000-07:00

2 Sep 2010 ... In the continuing string of attacks against Muslims or those perceived to be Muslim, a man was punched on the left side of the head . . . Seattle

25 Aug 2010 ... New York City Cab Driver Attacked By Customer After Confirming He's Muslim.

18 Aug 2010 ... A MUSLIM man was attacked by a gang of white youths on his way to a Kirklees mosque.

28 Jul 2010 ... Pastor Terry Jones is calling upon Christians throughout the country to mail copies of the Koran to the church so that the congregation can burn . . . Florida

24 May 2010 ... A few years ago, a Pakistani man was jumped and beaten by a group . . .

8 Sep 2010 Update on Pastor Terry Jones

“The cease-and-desist appeals have yet to have an impact on Jones, a pistol-carrying preacher who has been senior pastor at the Dove World Outreach Center since 1996. “

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The leader of a small Florida church that espouses anti-Islam philosophy said Wednesday he was determined to go through with his plan to burn copies of the Quran on Sept. 11, despite pressure from the White House, religious leaders and others to call it off.

Even on Facebook:

On September 11th, 2010, from 6pm - 9pm, we will burn the Koran on the property of Dove World Outreach Center in Gainesville, FL in remembrance of the fallen victims of 9/11 and to stand against the evil of Islam. Islam is of the devil! With 11,339 followers to date!

NOW ASK YOURSELF:

‘IS THIS GOD’S WAY?" or "JUST ANOTHER WAY TO USE GOD’S NAME TO SPREAD HATE?”

An eye for an eye will, eventually, destroy the entire body. Be blessed.

Words of Inspiration

2010-08-12T10:13:00.000-07:00

SICKNESS IS NOT A PUNISHMENT,

BUT A REMINDER THAT GOD CAN DO ANYTHING.

BE BLESSED

Words of Inspiration

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Our Father

2010-07-28T21:02:00.000-07:00

When your cross gets too heavy to carry, look up and

ask God to give you the strength to go on.

Sometimes we can't do it on our own

and he doesn't mind helping.

He is our Father.

So Sad

2010-07-22T09:07:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I lift my head to the sky

Without uttering the word 'Why'

I wonder, in silence,

About all the pain in the world:

Children dying from hunger and abuse

Women living in fear

Diseases destroying lives

Broken families at war

Natural disasters out of control

The greedy get richer

The poor getting poorer

Young men killing one another

Brothers hurting brother
Daughters against mothers
Sisters acting like strangers

Country abusing country

Bombs killing the innocent

Hospitals closing its doors to the sick

Schools becoming jails for our youth
Prisions filled to capacity

Churches in chaos

I have nothing more to add

It just makes me so sad.

Conversation with an Older Lady

2010-07-17T12:16:00.000-07:00

An older lady sat alone at at table in the local mall and a young woman approached, "Can I ask you a question?"

The older lady replied, "Yes," and motioned for the woman to sit. The young woman began, "I use to dream in color, now my dreams are black and white and it's disturbing."

Before the old lady answered, the young woman continued, "I hate going out because there is always someone who wants to argue or pick a fight with me for no reason. What's happening?"

The lady looked deep into the young woman's restless eyes and replied, "You have to pray longer and harder these days because our souls are at war. And the only way to win is to keep God close to your heart. But you mustn't stop living your life to it's fullest, you just have to make sure that God is with you at all times."

Laying her lean wrinkled hand atop the young woman's hand, the old lady continued, "When you close your eyes at night, talk to him; when you open your eyes in the morning, talk to him; and before you open your door to step out into the world, ask him to walk with you."

Be Blessed.

New Release - JULY 2010

2010-07-11T07:44:00.000-07:00

Be Blessed - Words of Inspiration shares expressions of inspiration in this enduring compilation of wisdom.

This 5.5’ x 8.5’ fifty-two page inspirational paperback, illustrated with powerful black and white photographs, is written with positive messages of understanding, generosity and kindness.

“I welcome each day with thankfulness for all my blessings and the understanding that I am no more nor no less but a child of God.” Gloria

The book’s messages articulate what so many of us believe in our hearts.
· Compassion
· Forgiveness
· Charity
· Faith

SICKNESS IS NOT A PUNISHMENT, BUT A REMINDER THAT GOD CAN DO ANYTHING. - excerpt from Be Blessed

This book offers GENTLE WORDS OF INSPIRATION EMPOWERING PEOPLE TO SHARE THEIR BLESSINGS AND SHOW COMPASSION AND CHARITY TO THE LESS FORTUNATE. … Be Blessed!

To order please visit : http://amzn.com/1452895627

MOM

2010-07-07T12:07:00.000-07:00

What can we say?

Where do we start?

Since you left, we have been lost, lonely and so broken-hearted. There are no words to express the pain that continues to consume our every thought and sadness continue to live in our hearts. You are in our mirrors; in our minds; in our dreams; and in our prayers. Sometimes it’s so hard to smile and laugh while our hearts cry out in quiet sadness for you.

Only a loving mother knows the pain of her children.

For so long, you held the family in your arms of compassion and we knew love. You were always there with your gentle smile and soft laughter, you always knew what to say and what to do. You remembered our childhoods, our birthdays and you always knew when we were in trouble. You never judged us or said, “I told you so” when we made mistakes. You were fair, loving and generous with your heart. You will always be cherished by all who knew you.

Your new home is atop soft clouds where you graciously look down upon us.

Your voice is now the wind breezing through the leaves on tall trees planted atop emerald green grass.

Your touch is the cool mist that kiss our skin on a rainy day and your memory is the hymn the song birds chant when they greet the wild flowers in God’s garden.

You will always be missed and loved because your memory lives forever in your children, grandchildren, brother, sister, nieces, nephews, and your loving friends who remember your kindness.

God summoned you home because he loved you so much and he wanted to take away your pain and suffering. We will try not to cry so often and will graciously fill our lives with forgiveness; compassion; acceptance; love for one another and live as loving sisters and brothers in honour of such an amazing caring mother.

Until we touch again and look into your precious eyes, we love you very much mom.

CATHERINE MARTIN-SWAIN

9 July 1927 - 14 January 2003

Congratulations GRACE

2010-07-02T14:12:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to my seventeen year old daughter, Grace Roquel, upon her recent graduation from high school. She received a diploma with honors; an Ontario Scholar Award and a Merit Award.

"Know that God is holding you in his arms and will always be the best father to you. Always work hard, believe that you can, and follow your heart. I am very proud of you and have faith that you will be a great success. Good luck with university in the fall. Be blessed." - Love Mom

The Merit Award Bursary Program

2010-06-20T16:54:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Brian P. Smeenk, President of the Merit Award Bursary Program and to The Kiwanis Club of Toronto Foundation.

The Merit Award Bursary Program, started in 1996 by a group of Toronto residents, provides support and incentive to encourage high school students to stay in school and achieve to the best of their abilities.

The Merit Award bursaries, in the amount of $500.00, are awarded to students at 36 secondary schools across Toronto annually.

Grace with Brian P. Smeenk, President of the Merit Award Bursary Program

Award recipients are chosen by the Program's Selection Committee after receiving recommendations from the principal of each participating school based on their outstanding commitment to academic studies, extracurricular activities, and contribution to the community.
This year, I am proud to say that my seventeen year old daughter, Grace, was one of the recipients of this prestigious award. As a single parent, I am very proud and would like to offer my love, my heart and profuse congratulations to Grace for being a loving daughter, an excellent student and a giving young woman which she continues to demonstrate through her positive contribution in the community. Her commitment to helping others and her determination to succeed is, without a doubt, a blessing to me as her mother and to all who meet her.

As a little girl, she was always so compassionate which is evident in the fact that she chose to cut her hair at age 7, when she saw a little girl (also named Grace) with cancer lose her hair and then her battle with the disease. Grace was determined to do something to help other children living with this disease and felt that donating her hair would make a big difference in the life of a child who had lost her hair to cancer. Even today, she continues to cut and donate her hair for this wonderful cause.

At age ten, I was diagnosed with a chronic illness and had to undergo forty-eight weeks of treatment which left me unable to care for myself or Grace at the time. To my amazement, she took on the roll of caregiver and nursed me back to health on her own and was still able to maintain her grades.

At the young age of eleven, she was the youngest volunteer in the community working with high-risk teens to address issues of violence in the community. As well, Grace was caring and non-judgmental working with HIV/AIDS youth from several AIDS Prevention organizations.

And at age seventeen, Grace has written a thirty-three page handbook for teen girls who suffer from self-esteem problems and other issues that may affect young girls. Her book is available at http://amzn.com/1456410970.

Grace has recently completed her high school education; is accepted into university in September 2010 pursuing a B.F.A. in Theater Production; works part-time to help the family; and continues to volunteer in the community. As her mother, I am delighted to call her ‘daughter and friend’ and I am confident she will continue to follow her heart to be a success at everything she does and will continue on her passion of helping others.

To see more photos from the ceremony or to learn more about Grace, visit http://ttgsh.blogspot.com/

Shhhhhhh

2010-06-16T09:39:00.000-07:00

On Fathers Day

2010-06-16T09:27:00.000-07:00

An important risk factor is age; more than 70 percent of men diagnosed with PROSTATE CANCER are over 65 years of age. African American men have a considerably higher risk of prostate cancer than white and Hispanic men.

‘Fathers Day’ is an excellent time to suggest a medical check-up, including a prostate exam, ladies. My father was diagnosed with prostate cancer and in remembrance of this wonderful man, I feel this is an appropriate present, the gift of a healthier life.

The prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system that makes and stores a component of semen. It is located in the pelvis, under the bladder and in front of the rectum and surrounds part of the urethra, the tube that empties urine from the bladder.

Prostate cancer develops in the prostate and is a slow growing cancer. This type of cancer cells can spread from the prostate to other parts of the body, particularly the bones and lymph nodes. It may cause pain, difficulty in urinating, problems during sexual intercourse, or erectile dysfunction.

Prostate cancer tends to develop in men over the age of fifty and although it is one of the most widespread types of cancer in men, many never have symptoms and eventually die of other causes. This is because cancer of the prostate is, in the majority cases, slow-growing, symptom-free, and since men with the condition are older they often die of causes unrelated to the prostate cancer.

If suspected, prostate cancer can usually be confirmed by a biopsy of the prostate and examining it under a microscope. Further tests, such as CT scans and bone scans, may be performed to determine whether prostate cancer has spread.

Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and proton therapy. Other treatments, such as hormonal therapy, chemotherapy, cryosurgery, and high intensity focused ultrasound are also available. The age and primary health of the man and response of the cancer to initial treatment are a few important factors in determining the outcome of the disease.

So ladies, consider a Prostate examination for the man in your life this Fathers Day, whether it be your father; husband; brother; son; boyfriend; or even your best friend, early detection is key in fighting this disease. For more information, talk with a doctor.

HAPPY FATHERS DAY, DAD
(15 April 1915 – 22 April 2001)

Where Poverty LIVES

2010-06-14T15:40:00.000-07:00

Who would have imagined that poverty exists in two of the most riches countries in the world in this day and age? I’m speaking of America and Canada. It is heart breaking that so many people are, not only, losing their jobs and homes but that many of them are 'hungry'.

Through my most recent research regarding poverty in Canada, I was able to locate a document titled “The 2008 Child Poverty Report Card” which states that British Columbia (BC) has the highest poverty rate (16.1%) and child poverty rate (21.9%) of all the provinces for the 5th year in a row. Over half of the poor children in that province live in families where at least one person is working full time, so wages are dismally low. Over half of all single parent mother led families are poor. A couple with 2 children living on welfare is almost $21,000 a year BELOW the poverty line. The poverty line (about $39,000 a year for a family of 4) would be untold riches to a family on welfare. As well you may or may not be aware that in 1989 Parliament promised to end child poverty by the year 2000. It is now 2009 and the situation hasn't improved at all. The National Poverty Plan Petition has started to try to force the Government to keep its promises. As the economy continues to get worse and new layoffs are announced daily the number of children living in poverty will grow and the plight of children already in poverty will get considerably worse. Over 700,000 hungry Canadians are assisted by a food bank every month.

And in America, according to the most recent Census Bureau statistics, nearly 36 million Americans lived in poverty in 2003, an increase of 1.3 million from 2002. And since 2000, 4.4 million more people in this America are living in poverty. And the Census Bureau defined poverty as an individual earning $9,393 or less and $14,680 or less for a family of three. Last year 7.6 million American families -- or 10 percent of all families -- lived in poverty, a big jump from 2000. The agency, Feeding America, which gives food assistance to hungry Americans, states that over 25 million Americans utilize their agency annually.

--------------------------------------------

It goes without saying that this information is shocking and all so depressing for one to accept that so many Americans and Canadians are living in poverty when these two countries have so much. When I think of children, women and the elderly suffering in poor countries, I feel sad that the same situations are affecting those who were born in America and Canada. These two countries are suppose to help feed the hungry, provide medicine to the sick, build homes for the homeless and help stop wars in other countries. “But how can they successfully help another country when the same situations are affecting their own citizens?”

As two of the most powerful and resourceful countries in the world, these two governments must address these issues of poverty immediately and as citizens of these countries, we must take a stand and pressure our leaders to help our citizens now. Realizing that newly formed governments are making attempts to help the poor in both countries but the less fortunate need food and housing today, not tomorrow. Our children are tomorrow’s leaders and therefore they should, without a doubt, be taken care of. Let’s not let another child go to school hungry or go to bed wondering if they will have food tomorrow. As citizens of these two beautiful countries, let's take a stand and feed our children and then we can feed children in other countries.
Poverty hurts everyone!

"When thou makest a feast, call the poor . . .” Luke 14:13

Interview Tips for Teens

2010-06-10T07:53:00.000-07:00

INTERVIEW TIPS
Looking professional impacts the way you feel about yourself. "Self-esteem" is the key to being confident. The answer to a good interview consists of the following:

1. Dress according to the company (Google the company);
2. It is always a good idea to research the company before the interview;
3. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes (no open toe shoes);
4. Avoid too many accessories and don’t wear too much make-up;
5. Remember to look professional;
6. Maintain eye contact with the interviewer at all times;
7. Focus on your conversation with the interviewer;
8. Do not discuss personal life;
9. Watch your body language (do not move around too much);
10. Shake hands prior to and after interview; and
11. Thank the interviewer for her/his time.

“First impressions does matter. You should look professional, presentable and competent.”

For more TEEN TIPS, visit http://ttgsh.blogspot.com/

You Are Sooooo Beautiful

2010-06-03T11:04:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure and blessing of meeting an amazing young lady, Leanne Power, at a local bookstore yesterday. But I believe my seventeen year old daughter, Grace, was more impressed than I with this talented and compassionate young woman and how determined she is to share her message with girls of all ages. We did, in fact, purchase a copy of her book, You Are Sooooo Beautiful, and really enjoyed it.

The book was originally purchased as a gift for my five year old granddaughter, Aaliyah, because of its empowering message to little girls of their inner beauty. But to be perfectly honest, I truly enjoyed reading the book and was, even at my age, empowered and thankful for the reminder of my inner beauty.

We all know a "Marley Rae", the main character of this delightful little tale and I highly recommend purchasing this wonderful colorful illustrated book for little girls, big girls and ALL girls in general.

To learn more about the author, Leannne Power, visit http://youaresooooobeautiful.com/.