Celebrating the Life of Selena Quintanilla-Perez 1971-March 31,1995

On this day 21 years ago March 31, 1995 the Tejano world lost a Shining Star in Selena Quintanilla-Perez not to many people know that I LOVE SELENA and her music so today I am left speechless because I can't believe it's been 21 years since her death this whole week I have been listening and playing ALL of her music. So on this day I am taking a moment to Celebrate her Life and the Legacy of her Music. Selena y Los Dinos - Noche de Carnaval 1994 Selena & The Barrio Boyzz - Donde Quiera Que Estes - Noche De Carnaval 1994 Ultima Entrevista A Selena Quintanilla 04 De Marzo De 1995 - Noche De Carnaval Selena FULL PERFORMANCE IN "Noche De Carnaval" Presentation 1995 HD

Surprised!

What a way to kick start the New week with Resurrection Sunday Celebration Celebrating the fact that JESUS LIVES as we start this New week let's keep in mind that Resurrection spirit as it takes us through out this week here are some words of wisdom for your reassurance of that Resurrected Christ. Read: Luke 24:13-35 Bible in a Year: Judges 4-6; Luke 4:31-44 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him. —Luke 24:31 Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio (1571-1610), an Italian artist, was known for his fiery temperament and unconventional technique. He used ordinary working people as models for his saints and was able to make viewers of his paintings feel they were a part of the scene. The Supper at Emmaus shows an innkeeper standing while Jesus and two of His followers are seated at a table when they recognize Him as the risen Lord (Luke 24:31). One disciple is pushing himself to a standing position while the other’s arms are outstretched and his hands open in astonishment. Luke, who records these events in his gospel, tells us that the two men immediately returned to Jerusalem where they found the eleven disciples and others assembled together and saying, “ ‘It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.’ Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread” (vv. 33-35). Oswald Chambers said, “Jesus rarely comes where we expect Him; He appears where we least expect Him, and always in the most illogical connections. The only way a worker can keep true to God is by being ready for the Lord’s surprise visits.” Whatever road we are on today, may we be ready for Jesus to make Himself known to us in new and surprising ways. —David McCasland Lord Jesus, open our eyes to see You, the risen Christ, alongside us and at work in the circumstances of our lives today. To find the Lord Jesus Christ we must be willing to seek Him. INSIGHT: Jesus’s actions in today’s reading opened eyes to the truth of who He is. The road-to-Emmaus encounter in Luke 24 points back to the Last Supper and forward to the words of Paul in 1 Corinthians 11:24-26. “ ‘This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me. . . . This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.’ For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARIAH CAREY!

Just want to take a moment to wish Mariah Carey a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Mariah Celebrated her 46th Birthday on March 27th. Mariah Carey's music has been the soundtrack of our live in the early 90's all the way to the 2000s so I just want to celebrate Mariah Carey on her Special Day. Mariah Carey-Vision of Love Mariah Carey - Touch My Body

HAPPY RESURRECTION SUNDAY!

Millions ALL over the World are Celebrating what is known to millions as Easter but to the Christian world we know this day to be Resurrection Sunday, what an AWESOME! Way to kick start the New Week but to celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord and Savoir JESUS CHRIST! I want to wish everyone a HAPPY RESURRECTION SUNDAY! May this day be filled with JOY and BLESSINGS!!!

Three-Word Obituary

On this Good Friday as we have come to the end of the week and getting ready for the weekend let's prepare our hearts and minds on what Jesus has done for us let's reflect on these words of wisdom. Read: Romans 8:28-39 Bible in a Year: Joshua 19-21; Luke 2:25-52 Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God. —Romans 8:34 Before Stig Kernell died, he told the local funeral home that he didn’t want a traditional obituary. Instead, the Swedish man instructed them to publish only three words noting his passing: “I am dead.” When Mr. Kernell died at age 92, that’s exactly what appeared. The audacity and simplicity of his unusual death notice captured the attention of newspapers around the world. In a strange twist, the international curiosity about the man with the three-word obituary caused more attention to his death than he intended. When Jesus was crucified, the Lord’s obituary could have read, “He is dead.” But after 3 days, it would have been changed to front-page news saying, “He is risen!” Much of the New Testament is devoted to proclaiming and explaining the results of Christ’s resurrection. “Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? . . . We are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Rom. 8:34-37). The three-word obituary of Jesus, “He is dead,” has been transformed into an eternal anthem of praise to our Savior. He is risen! He is risen indeed! —David McCasland Lord, we rejoice in Your great victory over sin and death through Your resurrection. May we live in light of it every day. Jesus sacrificed His life for ours. INSIGHT: In Romans 5-8, Paul told the Roman Christians what Christ had done to save them and of the benefits they now have. Today’s passage is Paul’s concluding affirmation and celebration of God’s providential care. Quoting from Psalm 44:22 (in Rom. 8:36), Paul makes the point that Christians are not exempt from afflictions, suffering, or death (Rom. 8:35). Even so, we need not fear because “God is for us” (v. 31).

Full Sun

As we have Celebrated two holidays this past weekend one being The First Day of Spring and the sec one was Palm Sunday so as we enter into this New Week let's take a moment to Spring into the Abundance of opportunities that lie ahead of us ALL with these words Read: Ephesians 5:1-16 Bible in a Year: Joshua 7-9; Luke 1:21-38 Live as children of light. —Ephesians 5:8 I know better, but I still keep trying. The instructions on the label are clear: “Needs full sun.” Our yard has mostly shade. It is not suitable for plants that need full sun. But I like the plant. I like its color, the shape of the leaves, the size, the scent. So I buy it, bring it home, plant it, and take really good care of it. But the plant is not happy at my house. My care and attention are not enough. It needs sunlight, which I cannot provide. I thought I could make up for lack of light by giving the plant some other kind of attention. But it doesn’t work that way. Plants need what they need. And so do people. Although we can survive for a while in less-than-ideal conditions, we can’t thrive. In addition to our basic physical needs, we also have spiritual needs that can’t be met by any substitute. Scripture says that believers are children of light. This means that we need to live in the full light of God’s presence to thrive (Ps. 89:15). If we try to live in darkness, we will produce nothing but “fruitless deeds” (see Eph. 5:3-4, 11). But if we are living in the light of Jesus, the Light of the world, we will produce the fruit of His light, which is good, faithful, and true. —Julie Ackerman Link Dear Lord, thank You for redeeming me and giving me new life. Help me to live as a child of the Light. Children of the Light walk in His light. INSIGHT: One of the great things about light is that it allows us to see where we are going. As believers in Christ, we are “children of light,” and we can clearly see the way we are to walk. Those in spiritual darkness stumble and fall. It is no simple turn of phrase that following Jesus is called “walking in the light.”

First Day Of Spring and Palm Sunday

On this Sunday we enter what we call The First Day of Spring and Palm Sunday, so on this First Day of Spring and Palm Sunday I want to wish many Blessings upon on us ALL. May this day open us up to the opportunities that lie ahead of us ALL let's seas the moment's that draw us out of our comfort zone. May the blessings shower down upon us like never before on this First Day of Spring and Palm Sunday. Wishing everyone a HAPPY FIRST DAY OF SPRING AND PALM SUNDAY!

Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Prevention Month

March is Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Prevention Month Now is a great time to review your risk for CRC with your healthcare provider. People with ulcerative colitis, or Crohn's disease involving the colon, are at an increased risk of developing CRC. However, it is important to note that CRC is preventable and highly treatable in the early stages. Before CRC develops, precancerous tissue can be seen and removed, thereby reducing the risk of that tissue progressing to cancer. Thus, regular screenings and early detection are crucial. COLORECTAL CANCER Colorectal cancer (CRC) can occur anywhere in the l arge intestine (colon and rectum), and is the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in this country. While this statistic is scary, it is important to know that CR C is preventable and highly treatable in the early stages. Before CRC develops, precancerous tissue can be seen and removed , thereby reducing the risk of that tissue progressing to can cer. Thus, regular screenings and early detection a re crucial. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) & CRC Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are chronic diseases that inflame the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Chronic inflammation of the colon can damage the lining of the colon over time, leading to an increased risk o f CRC. Therefore, people with ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease i nvolving the colon are at an increased risk of developing CRC compared to the general population. Even if your disease is in remission now, you remain at risk if you had significant inflammation in the past. However, despite this increased risk, it is important for you to understand that the vast majority of people with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis will never develop CRC. Common Risk Factors Two key risk factors associated with increased CRC risk are disease duration and the extent of the colon involved. The risk for CRC does not start increasing until 8 to 10 years after you develop ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease involving the colon. People whose entire colon is involved h ave the greatest risk, and those with inflammation only in the rectum have the least risk. Some patients with IBD also h ave a chronic liver disease known as primary sclero sing cholangitis (PSC), which causes bile duct inflammation. If you have PSC, you may have a higher risk of developing CRC before the 8 to 10 year period. Signs & Symptoms CRC can have symptoms, but also can be completely without symptoms. Some of the symptoms below, such a s diarrhea or rectal bleeding, can be early warning signs of C RC in the general population. However, these sympt oms are difficult to assess in those with Crohn’s disease or ulcerati ve colitis because they may represent a flare-up of IBD. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, speak to your doctor: • Change in the frequency of bowel movements • Diarrhea, constipation, or feeling that the bowel does not empty completely • Bright red or very dark blood in the stool • Stools that are narrower than usual • General stomach discomfort such as frequent gas pains, bloating, fullness and/or cramps • Weight loss with no known reason • Constant fatigue • Vomiting Diagnosis Although a colonoscopy is effective at diagnosing cancer of the colon, it is important to know that the purpose of screening and surveillance is to detect precancerous tissue and remove it, thus preventing it from progressing to cancer. Screening Recommendations CRC risk applies to patients with active or inactive IBD. CRC risk also depends on the length of time a person has had IBD, as well as the condition of the colon. That is why it is important to see your doctor for a routine colonoscopy every 1 to 3 years once you have had ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease involving the colon for 8 to 10 years. Decreasing Your Risk • If you have been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, see your gastroenterologist annually for a general check-up, regardless of how healthy you feel. • Discuss any concerns you may have with your doctor. • Report any changes in symptoms. • Help keep your disease and inflammation under control by staying on your medications, even when you ar e feeling well. • You and your doctor should review the medications you are currently taking. • Update your doctor on family history for colorectal cancer. • Although there is no cure for IBD, early detection is critical to reducing your risk for CRC. • Exercise and eat a healthy diet. • Log onto the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America’s website, www.ccfa.org , for more information about Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. CHECKLIST: AM I AT RISK for CRC? Just about everyone is at risk for CRC. However, t here are several key factors that may put you at in creased risk. Risk Factors for Developing CRC (check all that app ly): Diagnosed with Crohn’s disease involving the colon or ulcerative colitis. Eight to 10 year history of Crohn’s disease or ulce rative colitis. A personal or family history of colorectal polyps o r colorectal cancer. A personal history of bile duct inflammation (primary sclerosing cholangitis). Genetic syndromes such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC). Appearance of polyps or bumps in the colon. Appearance of dysplasia (changes in cells that are precursors of cancer) of the colon or rectum. If you’ve checked any of the boxes in the above che cklist, take this fact sheet to your next doctor’s appointment. Speak with your doctor about your risk factors for developing colorectal cancer and what you can do to reduc e your risk To learn more, check out our Colorectal Cancer Fact Sheet, and contact the IBD Help Center at info@ccfa.org for further information on prevention.

When to Walk Away

The week has come to an end it's FRIDAY! YES! let's take a moment just to reflect on these words as we head into the weekend with Read: Genesis 39:1-12 Bible in a Year: Deuteronomy 32-34; Mark 15:26-47 God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. —1 Corinthians 10:13 When my father became a Christian in his old age, he fascinated me with his plan for overcoming temptation. Sometimes he just walked away! For example, whenever a disagreement between him and a neighbor began to degenerate into a quarrel, my father just walked away for a time rather than be tempted to advance the quarrel. One day he met with some friends who ordered pito (a locally brewed alcoholic beer). My father had formerly struggled with alcohol and had decided he was better off without it. So he simply stood up, said his goodbyes, and left the gathering of old friends for another day. In Genesis, we read how Potiphar’s wife tempted Joseph. He immediately recognized that giving in would cause him to “sin against God,” so he fled (Gen. 39:9-12). Temptation knocks often at our door. Sometimes it comes from our own desires, other times through the situations and people we encounter. As Paul told the Corinthians, “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind.” But he also wrote, “God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it” (1 Cor. 10:13). The “way out” may include removing the objects of temptation or fleeing from them. Our best course of action may be to simply walk away. —Lawrence Darmani Lord, please give me the wisdom and strength to know when to walk away from situations and people that tempt me to do wrong. Every temptation is an opportunity to flee to God

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!

Just want to wish every one a HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!

March Madness at CCFA

Here is our March 2016 Newsletter at CCFA Letter from our President & CEO At CCFA, we have our own "March Madness"—the ideal time to get involved in one of our signature fundraising programs: Take Steps or Team Challenge. This year's Take Steps calendar is up and running, offering more than 120 walks across the country. And for those of you looking for something a little more "challenging," check out the Team Challenge Napa to Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon (and 5K) or Bass Lake Classic Triathlon. Finally, we are asking everyone to help us Turn Facebook Orange this month to raise awareness for CCFA and all of the critical support services we offer. Click here for the social assets you'll need. Thanks so much! Michael Osso President & CEO Love, Running, & Ulcerative Colitis Katie and Mike been together through the ups and downs of ulcerative colitis, and they've also been part of the Team Challenge family for almost five years. As Katie says, "Team Challenge introduced me into a whole new world filled with people just like me. We talk openly about our disease without fear, knowing that everyone gets it. It's a support group I never knew existed. It's a family." Read more about Katie and Mike. READ MORE ► March is Colonrectal Cancer (CRC) Prevention Month Now is a great time to review your risk for CRC with your healthcare provider. People with ulcerative colitis, or Crohn's disease involving the colon, are at an increased risk of developing CRC. However, it is important to note that CRC is preventable and highly treatable in the early stages. Before CRC develops, precancerous tissue can be seen and removed, thereby reducing the risk of that tissue progressing to cancer. Thus, regular screenings and early detection are crucial. To learn more, check out our Colorectal Cancer Fact Sheet, and contact the IBD Help Center at info@ccfa.org for further information on prevention. READ MORE ► New Take Steps Event Experiences! The full 2016 Take Steps walk calendar is ready! With more than 120 walks across the country, there's sure to be an event near you. And this year, we're making sure your experience is more memorable than ever—with new IBD-friendly foods, specific patient recognition, the opportunity to sign our Wall of Hope for yourself or your loved one, new fundraising incentives, and more! Gather your friends, family, and co-workers, register your team, and start fundraising today! Click here to find a walk near you. READ MORE ► Join the Friends with Guts For as little as $5 a month, you'll help sustain critical IBD research—including our Microbiome, Genetics, & Pediatric Initiatives—and get access to exclusive member benefits. Take Charge of Your IBD I'll Be Determined helps you take a closer look at how you are living with IBD. Through video-based tutorials, interactive games, and quizzes, you can explore your disease management options. READ MORE ► Check Out CCFA Partners CCFA Partners are citizen scientists—active, informed, and empowered participants in their medical care. They work with IBD scientists to better understand urgent issues affecting patients and help set the research agenda. Join today by filling out a survey that asks about your disease and quality of life. JOIN TODAY ► Consider Camp Oasis This Summer With summer just around the corner, consider signing up for Camp Oasis—CCFA's co-ed residential summer camp program that enriches the lives of children with IBD by providing them with a safe, fun, and supportive community. SIGN UP ► CCFA provides a comprehensive database of studies, clinical trials and other research on Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Deciding whether to participate in a clinical trial is an important personal decision, best made with a full understanding of the drug development process and a participant's role. CCFA Facebook CCFA Twitter CCFA YouTube CCFA Pinterest Forward Donate to CCFA 7​33 Th​ird Av​en​ue, Sui​te 51​0, Ne​w Y​ork,​ N​Y 10​01​7 www.ccfa.org | 8​00-​93​2-​2​423 Talk with an I​BD Info​rmation Specialist at 88​8.M​y.Gu​t.P​ain | 8​88-​69​4-8​87​2

My Personal Space

The Weekend has ended starting a New Week with these words of wisdom Read: Luke 8:40-48 Bible in a Year: Deuteronomy 23-25; Mark 14:1-26 We do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses. —Hebrews 4:15 An industrial design graduate from a Singapore university was challenged in a workshop to come up with a novel solution to a common problem using only ordinary objects. She created a vest to protect one’s personal space from being invaded while traveling in the crush of crowded public trains and buses. The vest was covered with long, flexible plastic spikes normally used to keep birds and cats away from plants. Jesus knew what it was like to lose His personal space in the commotion of crowds desperate to see and touch Him. A woman who had suffered from constant bleeding for 12 years and could find no cure touched the fringe of His robe. Immediately, her bleeding stopped (Luke 8:43-44). Jesus’ question, “Who touched me?” (v. 45) isn’t as strange as it sounds. He felt power come out of Him (v. 46). That touch was different from those who merely happened to accidentally touch Him. While we must admit that we do sometimes wish to keep our personal space and privacy, the only way we help a world of hurting people is to let them get close enough to be touched by the encouragement, comfort, and grace of Christ in us. —C. P. Hia Lord Jesus, I want to be near You and know You so that when I’m in contact with others they can see You through me. A Christian’s life is the window through which others can see Jesus. INSIGHT: Luke recounts several miracles in quick succession. First, Jesus calms a storm while out in a boat on the sea (Luke 8:22-25). Then when the boat reaches the other side of the sea, Jesus heals a man possessed by demons (vv. 26-39). Finally, Luke records that while going to heal the daughter of Jairus, a synagogue leader, Jesus heals a woman who had been suffering from bleeding for years (vv. 40-48). In the end, Jesus brings Jairus’s daughter back to life (vv. 48-56). This series of miracles shows that nothing—nature, spirits, health, even life and death—is outside of Jesus’s power and authority.

Don’t Quit!

YES! The week has come to an end it's Friday I leave you with these words of wisdom to help us reflect on ALL that has transpire through out this week Read: Hebrews 12:1-11 Bible in a Year: Deuteronomy 14-16; Mark 12:28-44 Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. —Hebrews 12:1-2 In 1952 Florence Chadwick attempted to swim 26 miles from the coast of California to Catalina Island. After 15 hours, a heavy fog began to block her view, she became disoriented, and she gave up. To her chagrin, Chadwick learned that she had quit just 1 mile short of her destination. Two months later Chadwick tried a second time to swim to Catalina Island from the coast. Again a thick fog settled in, but this time she reached her destination, becoming the first woman to swim the Catalina Channel. Chadwick said she kept an image of the shoreline in her mind even when she couldn’t see it. When the problems of life cloud our vision, we have an opportunity to learn to see our goal with the eyes of faith. The New Testament letter to the Hebrews urges us to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith” (12:1-2). When we feel like quitting, this is our signal to remember not only what Jesus suffered for us but what He now helps us to endure—until the day we see Him face to face. —Dennis Fisher Dear Father, sometimes the challenges of life seem insurmountable. Help me to fix my eyes on You and trust You. I’m thankful You are bringing about Your good purposes in me. We can finish strong when we focus on Christ. INSIGHT: Using the metaphor of a marathon and a stadium of cheering supporters, the writer of Hebrews encouraged persecuted Christians to persevere and to remain faithful. The constant call of Scripture is: Don’t give up! Keep your eye on the finish line! Finish the race! (1 Cor. 9:24-27; Phil. 3:13-14; 2 Tim. 4:7; Heb. 12:1-2).

Celebrating International Women's Day

On this day March 8th we are taken the time to Honor and Celebrate International Women's Day. Here is a Poem to Celebrate this day.

With Respect

Starting the New Week off with these words of wisdom Read: Ezra 5:6-17 Bible in a Year: Deuteronomy 3-4; Mark 10:32-52 If it pleases the king, let a search be made in the royal archives of Babylon to see if King Cyrus . . . issue[d] a decree. —Ezra 5:17 The citizens of Israel were having some trouble with the government. It was the late 500s bc, and the Jewish people were eager to complete their temple that had been destroyed in 586 bc by Babylon. However, the governor of their region was not sure they should be doing that, so he sent a note to King Darius (Ezra 5:6-17). In the letter, the governor says he found the Jews working on the temple and asks the king if they had permission to do so. The letter also records the Jews’ respectful response that they had indeed been given permission by an earlier king (Cyrus) to rebuild. When the king checked out their story, he found it to be true: King Cyrus had said they could build the temple. So Darius not only gave them permission to rebuild, but he also paid for it! (see 6:1-12). After the Jews finished building the temple, they “celebrated with joy” because they knew God had “[changed] the attitude of the king” (6:22). When we see a situation that needs to be addressed, we honor God when we plead our case in a respectful way, trust that He is in control of every situation, and express gratitude for the outcome. —Dave Branon Lord, help us to respond respectfully to situations around us. We need Your wisdom for this. May we always honor, trust, and praise You. Respect for authority brings glory to God.

For His Time

The week has come to an end in this 3rd month of the New Year that we have entered into WOW! Time is moving fast BUT let's STOP and take a minute to reflect on these words of wisdom Read: James 1:2-4 Bible in a Year: Numbers 31-33; Mark 9:1-29 My times are in your hands. —Psalm 31:15 When South African pastor Andrew Murray was visiting England in 1895, he began to suffer pain from a previous back injury. While he was recuperating, his hostess told him of a woman who was in great trouble and wanted to know if he had any counsel for her. Murray said, “Give her this paper which I have been writing for my own [encouragement]. It may be that she will find it helpful.” This is what Murray wrote: “In time of trouble say: First—God brought me here. It is by His will I am in this strait place. In that I will rest. Next—He will keep me in His love and give me grace in this trial to behave as His child. Then—He will make the trial a blessing, teaching me lessons He intends me to learn, and working in me the grace He means to bestow. Last—In His good time He can bring me out again—how and when He knows. I am here—by God’s appointment, in His keeping, under His training, for His time.” We want the instant solution, the quick fix, but some things cannot be disposed of so readily; they can only be accepted. God will keep us by His love. By His grace, we can rest in Him. —David Roper Dear Lord, it’s hard to endure times of illness and suffering. Comfort me and help me to trust You. When God permits suffering, He also provides comfort. INSIGHT: James saw himself as a servant of Christ (James 1:1), even though he was Christ’s half-brother (Matt. 13:55). He did not come to faith until after Jesus’s resurrection (John 7:3-5; Acts 1:14; 1 Cor. 15:7) and eventually became a leader in the church at Jerusalem (Acts 15:13). In writing this letter to Jewish believers who had been scattered because of persecution, he focuses on Jewish thinking and values: It is highly practical, intensely candid, and wisdom-oriented. Because of its practical application, it has been referred to as the “Proverbs” of the New Testament.