Strength of The Small

Francois Xavier Etoundi {Memory of}

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read573 views

This year has been quite rough for some of us.
We have experienced Love and we have experienced extreme pain and anguish. Though the pain of death is universal; each one of us handles it differently. Less than 24 hours ago, I learned of the passing of a former classmate. The news came as a surprise to many of us as he was recovering from illness and was doing much better. He left behind a family and three children.

Join me in prayer, for the family of François Xavier Etoundi, as his loved ones prepare to lay him to rest. It’s especially in moments like these that we turn to God and ask Him to restore our inner peace.

Please donate. Nothing is too small or too big. We never know when our own time will come, but we can hope that when it comes to pass; our lives, in the end, will be remembered. In the Spirit of togetherness, love and kindness, let’s join our hands as one and celebrate his life.

May his gentle soul rest in peace and may God comfort his family during this hard time.

“We are nothing but die cut shapes flowing in the wind waiting to fall.” — Joan Ambu

And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!” – Revelation 14:13 (ESV)

DONORS LIST:

  • Joan Ambu – $75 (+ Transfer Fee)
  • Yannick Nke – $30
  • Raoul Feukia – $50
  • Anonymous – $25
  • Jean Emmanuel Kwe – $50
  • Marie Liénou – $30
  • Miriam Obele – $60
  • Aurelie Tomo – $50
  • Guy Beke – $25
  • Herve Ombede – $20
  • Willy Jouontso – $70

Donations are now closed. Thank you all for your support. 

Pain of Death

JM Perez By JM Perez1 min read871 views

Death, you must know
Is a loner
Is not sociable
It doesn’t negotiate
It doesn’t give a second chance
It doesn’t sympathize.

To some it can be gentle
And to others, unkind
Either way
The outcome is the same
When a loved one cease
The living is thorn.

Pray and be prayerful
Do not find joy in another’s grief
Do not let your anger destroy your dreams
Look around you
Be grateful for what you have
Keep your faith alive and your heart open.

Regardless of circumstances
Death is nothing to rejoice about
As much as it comes as a relief to some
It leaves others empty
And robs them of an opportunity
To cherish the ones who have ceased.

© 2012 Joan Ambu. All rights reserved.

You Were Always With Me

JM Perez By JM Perez1 min read1.2K views

I came from the West
Ready and determined
To meet the One who never sleeps.
Passing through the North
Traveling as each day brought me closer to you
Sustained by faith
Eager to find you
The One who renews.

I heard so much about you
I learned nothing thrives without you
I witnessed people swear by you
I saw lives changed through you
I too, became amazed by you
And I am now walking to meet you.

The rain always left traces for me to follow
The wind brought hints of your soul to my doorsteps
Nature whispered your name
Which echoed through my heart
The Clouds formed shapes
Directing me to the right path.

I came from the West
Willing and determined
Eager to find you.
I arrived at my destination
To realized
That you were always with me.

© 2012 Joan Ambu. All rights reserved.

My Peaceful Habitation

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read857 views

“And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.” – Isaiah 32:18 (KJV)

For me, regardless of the condition and age of an older home, they are always full of character, charm and hidden treasures. They are cozy, warm, unique and they have history. I am just a lover of old things. I love the worn, faded and uneven edges of the walls, the unique features and I sometimes enjoy the faint crackling sounds when I step on a certain section of the flooring.
If you’ve ever fallen in love with something old then you know exactly what I’m talking about.

When we first moved to the High Desert, I was grateful to find out that my house is in proximity to stores, library, schools, churches and hospitals. For instance, it takes me less than 4 minutes to drop off my son to his school and less than 6 minutes to get to a grocery store. The Vintage and Shabby Chic stores that I frequent quite often are also close.

We bought an older home and as some of you already know, they come with a ton of work; however, after some renovation and restoration, the home becomes a sanctuary, a refuge and a great source of serenity. My home reflects the person I am and reminds me of my promises. The beautiful voices of my darling children echoing wherever they go, reaching my heart and putting my Soul at ease. There’s no place else I’d rather be.

Like I stated above, some old homes do come with hidden treasures. Here are some treasures we found in our home:
•  Vintage Poinsettia Wine Glass
•  Vintage Horse Grooming Curry Comb Brush from the 1950′s
•  Rotary Dial wall mount Phone from the 1960’s (still hooked up)
•  Vintage Hammered Copper Hardware (Hinges, Screws and Door Pulls) from the 1950’s

Vintage Finds.
Vintage Finds (Hidden Treasures found in our Home).

As long as we are happy and comfortable within the confinement of our walls; the size of our home should not matter. We are not defined by the size of our home, but by how we live our lives and make our visitors feel.

Home is the place we chose to fill with laughter, love and start creating memories for ourselves and our children. As we aspire to give them a solid foundation of what Living is all about, Home becomes a place we transform to reflect our core values.

“But no matter the kind of house, it is the living inside that makes it wonderful, what happens in each room that makes it marvelous. It is what the house means to those who live there.” – Cynthia Rylant

Book Release & A Giveaway

JM Perez By JM Perez1 min read987 views

Today being the official release date of my latest book of Poetry, Strength of The Small; to you, my faithful readers, I want to give back with some giveaways.

Strength Of The Small by Joan AmbuHow to enter:
– Comment on this blog post.
– Like and Share this blog post.

Number of prizes: 1

Starts: September 9, 2012 at 3:00 PM (PT)
Ends: October 31, 2012 at 11:59 PM (PT)


Congratulations to Solange Nkouna (Liège, BE)
Selected using Random.org.