Wednesday, November 03, 2010
About the Unseen Child Foundation
What can the Unseen Child Foundation do for your family and other non-profit organizations in your area? The Unseen Child Foundation is a non-profit organization that assists other non-profits working to open their doors and offer help to children and adults in need.
A problem here in Denver and across the nation is that non-profits offering care to homeless, elderly, and mentally handicapped children and adults are facing tough times and many find themselves being forced to close. They stand alone without additional support and leave those depending on them to survive alone. These same children & adults end up coming to us seeking the help promised them by other non-profit programs.
I stand up (as one person) and offer my voice to encourage existing non-profits. Don't give up! Keep fighting! There are so many wonderful people like you out there trying to make a difference. Please keep trying. The government can’t help this time. We have to do it ourselves.
I am only one person, but one person can begin to create change. Especially in today’s economy if we all don't all stick together we stand alone. Let’s stand up together =). The Unseen Child Foundation’s goal is to help fund other non-profit programs so that they can keep their doors open and continue assisting people.
My voice, book, documentary, and life story raise the money needed to help develop, grow, and support non-profit programs like yours that work is hard to provide for children and adults in need.
I was an “Unseen Child.” It’s not easy to tell my story, but if I don't, then the patterns of abuse, homelessness, and poverty will continue unchallenged. I am challenging them!
I would love to come to your local bookstore, church or community center to share my story, the Unseen Child Foundation’s mission, and talk with you about ways to help children in your area who suffer. Please contact Cheri Vikdal for assistance with booking Cvikdal@comcast.net
You CAN make a difference in a child’s life by making a donation to the Unseen Child Foundation or purchasing a book. Let’s help each other. No one needs to stand alone fighting. Let's stand up together working to help the next generation.
May God bless you and remember...you are not alone!
*hugs*
Diana Joy
Please pass this to anyone you know that needs help!
Tuesday, November 02, 2010
Wednesday, June 09, 2010
Point Of Grace - How You Live [Turn Up The Music] (Video)
Good morning my friends!
Today will be a full day of juggling children and getting to Greenwood Community Church...on time! Augh! Being on time is not my strength! lol
The birds were singing and as I looked around I noticed my favorite flowers were beginning to blossom! While spending time in prayer a song and God's word (from the Bible) came to mind. The song "How to live" and the verses Mathew: 15:32-38
As I prayed for all the people who would be in the church today and
the struggles our family is going through, I found myself so thankful for all that God has given me! My family, the house, the wonderful view of all the flowers and the excitement of sharing God's word with others.
There are a lot of people with lost jobs, illnesses, unpaid bills and even the possibility of homelessness. Even our house is full with our grandson, granddaughter, two birth daughters and a woman with two small children. As I question how to pay our bills and feed everyone in our home I am quickly reminded of how big and how strong our God is! I imagine Him looking down on all the chaos and saying, "I will provide, be thankful in all things and enjoy the moment! This is how I want you to live!"
Mathew 15:32-38:
32: And Jesus called His disciple to Him, and said, "I feel compassion for the multitude, because they have remained with Me now three days and have nothing to eat; and I do not wish to send them away hungry, let they faint on the way." 33: and the disciples said to Him, "Where would we get so many loaves in a desolate place to satisfy such a great multitude?" 34: And Jesus said to them, "How many loaves do you have?" and they said, Seven and a few fish."
Verses 35 through 39: Jesus gives thanks for what little food He has and gives the food to the disciples to give to 4,000 people. Every man, woman and child had full stomachs that day.
These words are a comfort to me, because I know that if God can feed all those people....then He can feed all those living in our home, you who are struggling and the homeless!
As I typed out the conclusion of my speech, I was reminded that God is a great God and can handle all things! Yes, I will be looking at the past and the present. But, I want to also look at the future!
The song that God gave me today is:
"How to live/Turn up your music" by "Point of Grace"
Here are a view words that came to me to remind me how to live!
Chorus:
Turn up the music
Turn it up loud
Take a few chances
Let it all out
You won't regret it
Lookin' back from where you have been
Cuz it's not who you knew
And it's not what you did
It's how you live
Bridge:
Oh wherever you are and wherever you've been
Now is the time to begin
Verse 3:
So give to the needy
And pray for the grieving
Even when you don't think that you can
'Cause all that you do is bound to come back to you
So think of your fellow man
Make peace with God and make peace with yourself
'Cause in the end there's nobody else.
Here is the video for those of you who want to hear the entire song ;-)
So, my friends it is ok to look back and see the present. But be sure to rejoice for what God can do for our future.
God's not done with us yet!!!
Have hope my friends!
Here is where I will speaking:
6:30pm today.
5600 East Belleview Avenue
Greenwood Vlg, CO 80111-1446
(303) 843-0281
God bless you all!
Know that God has it all under control...
I look forward to seeing some of you tonight!
Enjoy the moment =)
Diana Joy
Today will be a full day of juggling children and getting to Greenwood Community Church...on time! Augh! Being on time is not my strength! lol
The birds were singing and as I looked around I noticed my favorite flowers were beginning to blossom! While spending time in prayer a song and God's word (from the Bible) came to mind. The song "How to live" and the verses Mathew: 15:32-38
As I prayed for all the people who would be in the church today and
the struggles our family is going through, I found myself so thankful for all that God has given me! My family, the house, the wonderful view of all the flowers and the excitement of sharing God's word with others.
There are a lot of people with lost jobs, illnesses, unpaid bills and even the possibility of homelessness. Even our house is full with our grandson, granddaughter, two birth daughters and a woman with two small children. As I question how to pay our bills and feed everyone in our home I am quickly reminded of how big and how strong our God is! I imagine Him looking down on all the chaos and saying, "I will provide, be thankful in all things and enjoy the moment! This is how I want you to live!"
Mathew 15:32-38:
32: And Jesus called His disciple to Him, and said, "I feel compassion for the multitude, because they have remained with Me now three days and have nothing to eat; and I do not wish to send them away hungry, let they faint on the way." 33: and the disciples said to Him, "Where would we get so many loaves in a desolate place to satisfy such a great multitude?" 34: And Jesus said to them, "How many loaves do you have?" and they said, Seven and a few fish."
Verses 35 through 39: Jesus gives thanks for what little food He has and gives the food to the disciples to give to 4,000 people. Every man, woman and child had full stomachs that day.
These words are a comfort to me, because I know that if God can feed all those people....then He can feed all those living in our home, you who are struggling and the homeless!
As I typed out the conclusion of my speech, I was reminded that God is a great God and can handle all things! Yes, I will be looking at the past and the present. But, I want to also look at the future!
The song that God gave me today is:
"How to live/Turn up your music" by "Point of Grace"
Here are a view words that came to me to remind me how to live!
Chorus:
Turn up the music
Turn it up loud
Take a few chances
Let it all out
You won't regret it
Lookin' back from where you have been
Cuz it's not who you knew
And it's not what you did
It's how you live
Bridge:
Oh wherever you are and wherever you've been
Now is the time to begin
Verse 3:
So give to the needy
And pray for the grieving
Even when you don't think that you can
'Cause all that you do is bound to come back to you
So think of your fellow man
Make peace with God and make peace with yourself
'Cause in the end there's nobody else.
Here is the video for those of you who want to hear the entire song ;-)
So, my friends it is ok to look back and see the present. But be sure to rejoice for what God can do for our future.
God's not done with us yet!!!
Have hope my friends!
Here is where I will speaking:
6:30pm today.
5600 East Belleview Avenue
Greenwood Vlg, CO 80111-1446
(303) 843-0281
God bless you all!
Know that God has it all under control...
I look forward to seeing some of you tonight!
Enjoy the moment =)
Diana Joy
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Thanks WomanOf.com for the award!
Diana also launched last year the Unseen Child Foundation, a non-profit organization that funnels money to shelters, safe houses and other programs in Denver that help abused children. “There are 1,500 kids between 9 and 15 years old who are homeless in Denver. That is out of control! I’m seeing awesome programs closing because of lack of funds,' Diana said. She donates $5 from the sale of each book to the foundation and is trying to garner more attention for it by teaming up with celebrities like Susie McEntire (sister to Reba McEntire), and many country music singers and songwriters.
The foundation may soon get its biggest boost when a documentary based on Diana’s work with teens comes out in the fall and when a motion picture, now in the hands of Hollywood screenwriters, is released.
It’s hard to imagine that someone with Diana’s tragic history could turn her life around so inspiringly. It is not just that she was able to become a normal person despite her terrible background, it’s that she is a better person at heart and by her actions than many of us with normal backgrounds ever become. There is something very special about Diana. Her pastor friend knew it, which is why, when Diana finally agreed to be adopted by him, he chose the most fitting surname he could think of for her: “Joy."
To learn more about Diana Joy and the Unseen Child Foundation visit http://www.unseenchild.com/.
The foundation may soon get its biggest boost when a documentary based on Diana’s work with teens comes out in the fall and when a motion picture, now in the hands of Hollywood screenwriters, is released.
It’s hard to imagine that someone with Diana’s tragic history could turn her life around so inspiringly. It is not just that she was able to become a normal person despite her terrible background, it’s that she is a better person at heart and by her actions than many of us with normal backgrounds ever become. There is something very special about Diana. Her pastor friend knew it, which is why, when Diana finally agreed to be adopted by him, he chose the most fitting surname he could think of for her: “Joy."
To learn more about Diana Joy and the Unseen Child Foundation visit http://www.unseenchild.com/.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
"Adoption is not about finding children for families, it's about finding families for children”
“We are willing to spend the least amount of money to keep a kid at home, more to put him in a foster home and the most to institutionalize him.”
~Marian Wright Edelman~
My oldest adopted daughter gave birth to five children. Two of the kids flew in today and are now spending the next few weeks with grandma and grandpa :) I went to pick up my grandson Gabe. When he came off the airplane I could hardly recognize him...at 11years old he is almost as tall as me!
Because he is missing gene #13 he struggles with speech, eyesight and obsessive, compulsive disorder (known as OCD). When he was born the doctors told us he would not get older than two years old…when he was five the doctors told us he would not progress much further than 6. When he was 7 the doctors said he wouldn’t be able to read or write…and that he would never become emotionally or intellectually older than 5 or 6 years-old. At eleven Gabe can read, write and participate in class with other children his age.
After having Gabe in my house for every holiday and a few entire summer breaks (since his birth), I have learned that Gabe is an amazing child. He may not look or act like children his age. But, God has given him gifts that I wish I possessed. Gabe has gifts of kindness, forgiveness, unconditional love, freedom to express himself, and the bravery of a giant. He is so kind and knows when another child is hurting…no matter the age, Gabe doesn’t hesitate to give them a big hug to comfort them. He is not embarrassed to dance and sing when he hears a song that he likes. He has a smile that can cause even strangers to stop and smile back. If another child doesn’t understand him (because of his speech impediment) he will say, “That’s ok…I will say it again…this time slowly”. Gabe lives innocently in the moment, enjoying every day. His eyes show no judgment. With every obstacle he faces he handles it with such bravery. Nothing is impossible for Gabe. Whatever the doctors tell him he can’t do…it’s as if he knows and is silently telling them… “Oh silly doctors, I can and will do what you say I can’t”. And every year he exceeds everyone’s expectations!
Gabe’s mom was my first adopted child. She had Gabe at a young age and loved him the best she could. When you read my book you will see her as “My Child without a Birth certificate” Gabe is who he is because his mom believes in him. She is determined to change the cycle of abuse and encourage him to grow beyond what other expects of him.
My oldest daughter (Gabe’s mom) was on the streets and in institutions before I got her. What if I didn’t care…what if my husband and I saw her as a difficult child who had no hope in her future? I hate to think of all the happy memories we would have lost. The enjoyment of having Gabe’s eyes shine with every new step he takes in life. What if we hadn’t adopted at all…..? What a sad time that would be for us all. I truly believe children come in to our lives for a reason. God gives us children through birth and some through adoption….I myself see no difference. My husband and I have cried and rejoiced with every stage of every child God has brought into our life. These children and grandchildren are our many blessings and my husband and I thank God that we have had a small part in sharing life with them.
If we don't help these children we are not only depriving them of happy memories...we are depriving ourselves.
It just takes one person to look into the eyes of an unseen child and through that child many lives can be changed! If we didn't help our oldest daughter...we wouldn't have our grandson Gabe! And what a loss that would be.....
Our Grandson Gabe =)
~Marian Wright Edelman~
My oldest adopted daughter gave birth to five children. Two of the kids flew in today and are now spending the next few weeks with grandma and grandpa :) I went to pick up my grandson Gabe. When he came off the airplane I could hardly recognize him...at 11years old he is almost as tall as me!
Because he is missing gene #13 he struggles with speech, eyesight and obsessive, compulsive disorder (known as OCD). When he was born the doctors told us he would not get older than two years old…when he was five the doctors told us he would not progress much further than 6. When he was 7 the doctors said he wouldn’t be able to read or write…and that he would never become emotionally or intellectually older than 5 or 6 years-old. At eleven Gabe can read, write and participate in class with other children his age.
After having Gabe in my house for every holiday and a few entire summer breaks (since his birth), I have learned that Gabe is an amazing child. He may not look or act like children his age. But, God has given him gifts that I wish I possessed. Gabe has gifts of kindness, forgiveness, unconditional love, freedom to express himself, and the bravery of a giant. He is so kind and knows when another child is hurting…no matter the age, Gabe doesn’t hesitate to give them a big hug to comfort them. He is not embarrassed to dance and sing when he hears a song that he likes. He has a smile that can cause even strangers to stop and smile back. If another child doesn’t understand him (because of his speech impediment) he will say, “That’s ok…I will say it again…this time slowly”. Gabe lives innocently in the moment, enjoying every day. His eyes show no judgment. With every obstacle he faces he handles it with such bravery. Nothing is impossible for Gabe. Whatever the doctors tell him he can’t do…it’s as if he knows and is silently telling them… “Oh silly doctors, I can and will do what you say I can’t”. And every year he exceeds everyone’s expectations!
Gabe’s mom was my first adopted child. She had Gabe at a young age and loved him the best she could. When you read my book you will see her as “My Child without a Birth certificate” Gabe is who he is because his mom believes in him. She is determined to change the cycle of abuse and encourage him to grow beyond what other expects of him.
My oldest daughter (Gabe’s mom) was on the streets and in institutions before I got her. What if I didn’t care…what if my husband and I saw her as a difficult child who had no hope in her future? I hate to think of all the happy memories we would have lost. The enjoyment of having Gabe’s eyes shine with every new step he takes in life. What if we hadn’t adopted at all…..? What a sad time that would be for us all. I truly believe children come in to our lives for a reason. God gives us children through birth and some through adoption….I myself see no difference. My husband and I have cried and rejoiced with every stage of every child God has brought into our life. These children and grandchildren are our many blessings and my husband and I thank God that we have had a small part in sharing life with them.
If we don't help these children we are not only depriving them of happy memories...we are depriving ourselves.
It just takes one person to look into the eyes of an unseen child and through that child many lives can be changed! If we didn't help our oldest daughter...we wouldn't have our grandson Gabe! And what a loss that would be.....
Our Grandson Gabe =)
Thursday, March 11, 2010
"It is what we do with what we are given that makes us who we are today"
“I can see, and that is why I can be happy, in what you call the dark, but which to me is golden. I can see a God-made world, not a manmade world.”
~Helen Keller~
“Life is not filled with disabilities at all, but rather more abilities.” ~Patrick Hughes~
Isn't it amazing how the true hero’s we as society search for in times of trouble are not found being chased by the paparazzi. I truly believe with this economy the hero's are not those with money, beauty, fame or mansions.
The true heroes are those men and women who have overcome the worst of situations and come out smiling that bring joy to us all and give us hope in life. It is those men and women who use their stories to remind us that no matter how many curve balls life throws at us, we will survive!
It is a woman like Helen Keller (who was became blind, deaf and mute at 18 months) and a man like Patrick Hughes (who was not only blind, but also crippled from birth) who gives me the inspiration to overcome anything and to see the blessings God gives me through the most painful times! Helen Keller and Patrick Hughes put life in to perspective and see life as a blessing, not a handicap.
Patrick not only survived, but came out rejoicing for what God has given him. If a man who is blind and cannot walk can smile and see the joy in what he was given. Then I who can see and walk will rejoice and be thankful for every obstacle that comes across my path in life!
I pray that you too will learn from Patrick Hughes and Helen Keller the most valuable lesson in life, “It is what we do with what we are given that makes us who we are today.” Choose to see the good in everything God has brought across your path. Just like my heroes’ Patrick Hughes and Helen Keller have done!!!
"Instead of comparing our lot with that of those who are more fortunate than we are, we should compare it with the lot of the great majority of our fellow men. It then appears that we are among the privileged."
~Helen Keller~
~Helen Keller~
“Life is not filled with disabilities at all, but rather more abilities.” ~Patrick Hughes~
Isn't it amazing how the true hero’s we as society search for in times of trouble are not found being chased by the paparazzi. I truly believe with this economy the hero's are not those with money, beauty, fame or mansions.
The true heroes are those men and women who have overcome the worst of situations and come out smiling that bring joy to us all and give us hope in life. It is those men and women who use their stories to remind us that no matter how many curve balls life throws at us, we will survive!
It is a woman like Helen Keller (who was became blind, deaf and mute at 18 months) and a man like Patrick Hughes (who was not only blind, but also crippled from birth) who gives me the inspiration to overcome anything and to see the blessings God gives me through the most painful times! Helen Keller and Patrick Hughes put life in to perspective and see life as a blessing, not a handicap.
Patrick not only survived, but came out rejoicing for what God has given him. If a man who is blind and cannot walk can smile and see the joy in what he was given. Then I who can see and walk will rejoice and be thankful for every obstacle that comes across my path in life!
I pray that you too will learn from Patrick Hughes and Helen Keller the most valuable lesson in life, “It is what we do with what we are given that makes us who we are today.” Choose to see the good in everything God has brought across your path. Just like my heroes’ Patrick Hughes and Helen Keller have done!!!
"Instead of comparing our lot with that of those who are more fortunate than we are, we should compare it with the lot of the great majority of our fellow men. It then appears that we are among the privileged."
~Helen Keller~
Friday, February 19, 2010
I love living life! I am happy!
This has been a short week for me....I don't even know where the time went. But many months leading up to this week I have been living day to day. The reality is that I have been struggling with headaches and heart spasms. Over the last month I have spoken with a few Brain specialists. I wish I could say this is the first time I have had to face doctors begging for answers…
Unfortunately, 10 years ago I found myself sitting in front of a doctor who told me I needed brain surgery. It seemed like just a few days and I was already scheduled for the day that would change my life forever. I could go in to detail about those years….but, the one thing I remember most is when the physical therapist told me to walk and I kept falling. I was crying and she said, “Diana, you don’t need to walk a mile…or a block…just take one step at a time…put one foot in front of the other. It wasn’t the surgery that changed my life….it was the image of putting one foot in front of the other and eventually you will get there. So simple…but for me at times it has been extremely difficult. Perhaps you are going through something very difficult in your life. Like the loss of a job, an illness, or loss of a child. And some days you may feel like you can’t even get out of bed….I hope that you remember this post =-)! Just put one foot in front of the other and eventually you will get there!
I met with a wonderful doctor who took the time to put my heart at rest. Isn't it amazing how it just takes one person to look into your eyes, take time to tell you exactly what you have and then tell you, "It's going to be ok Diana! You don’t have to have brain surgery". It changes your day...or most importantly your life. God is so great, on Tuesday this doctor found out what all the others doctors couldn't and I am now on my road to recovery. My head is not hurting as often and the chest pain is less every day. God answered my prayer by giving me that one person who would calm my fears! I’m already feeling better!!! So, tomorrow I will get up with a smile…because I know that God gives me the ability to take one day at a time, one step at a time, and the gift of helping one child at a time through all the wonderful people who took the time to care throughout my life.
I hope my story inspires you to hang in there when things get tough. I was sent this through twitter just about the same time I was meeting with the doctor. Boy does he put life in to perspective! This post is for all of you who think you cannot take another step…those of you who are suffering in silence….those who are unseen….
Check out this video!
God bless you all!
Diana Joy
Proverbs 23:18
There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.
Unfortunately, 10 years ago I found myself sitting in front of a doctor who told me I needed brain surgery. It seemed like just a few days and I was already scheduled for the day that would change my life forever. I could go in to detail about those years….but, the one thing I remember most is when the physical therapist told me to walk and I kept falling. I was crying and she said, “Diana, you don’t need to walk a mile…or a block…just take one step at a time…put one foot in front of the other. It wasn’t the surgery that changed my life….it was the image of putting one foot in front of the other and eventually you will get there. So simple…but for me at times it has been extremely difficult. Perhaps you are going through something very difficult in your life. Like the loss of a job, an illness, or loss of a child. And some days you may feel like you can’t even get out of bed….I hope that you remember this post =-)! Just put one foot in front of the other and eventually you will get there!
I met with a wonderful doctor who took the time to put my heart at rest. Isn't it amazing how it just takes one person to look into your eyes, take time to tell you exactly what you have and then tell you, "It's going to be ok Diana! You don’t have to have brain surgery". It changes your day...or most importantly your life. God is so great, on Tuesday this doctor found out what all the others doctors couldn't and I am now on my road to recovery. My head is not hurting as often and the chest pain is less every day. God answered my prayer by giving me that one person who would calm my fears! I’m already feeling better!!! So, tomorrow I will get up with a smile…because I know that God gives me the ability to take one day at a time, one step at a time, and the gift of helping one child at a time through all the wonderful people who took the time to care throughout my life.
I hope my story inspires you to hang in there when things get tough. I was sent this through twitter just about the same time I was meeting with the doctor. Boy does he put life in to perspective! This post is for all of you who think you cannot take another step…those of you who are suffering in silence….those who are unseen….
Check out this video!
God bless you all!
Diana Joy
Proverbs 23:18
There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Note to God.....
It has been such an emotional week! Some of my closest friends and family members have called me screaming!
I don’t think they realized that they were yelling at me….It was just that I happen to be in the way as they were loudly telling the world how angry and afraid they were. I would be lying if I told you that I handled myself with grace and control over the last few days. I have to confess that my family received the wrath of all of my fears and frustrations regarding our future this week as well.
This afternoon after some of the chaos had dissipated; I realized that the one person who should be educated on what’s going in the world was not called upon. So, when the phone stopped ringing and the house finally became silent I began to write a letter to the big guy upstairs…..Yep! That’s right! It was time to tell God a few things that He must have missed while making His rounds through our neighborhood.
As I began to write I could feel the anger building inside me! So the first words I wrote were, “Where are you God!” Then I put down the pen and said, “Now Lord, I don’t want to tell you how to run the world….but, well you had better get down here and help me with these endless medical bills, make sure my husband isn’t the next one to be let go from his company and give me some peace from all the yelling!” (At this point I realized I was the only one screaming)…Within minutes my emotions went from anger to fear! My heart pounded as I started to think of what could happen to me and my loved ones if God didn’t stop the madness! And it was only after I allowed myself to feel the fear that the tears started to flow and I went from telling God how He needed to run the world to crying out to the Lord to rescue my family and friends from the overwhelming fear that lingers from house to house throughout our city. At this point I bowed my head and prayed, “God there is so many hurting children on the streets and parents suffering because they can’t afford to get medical care for their family because they too have no job. Lord help them…help us all”
When I opened my Bible I went directly to the words a special man read to me when I was young and living in fear, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
Because I truly believe that God uses music to speak to us, I will post this video as well. This girls name is Charice. She expresses so much emotion throughout the song! I love it!!!!
I don’t think they realized that they were yelling at me….It was just that I happen to be in the way as they were loudly telling the world how angry and afraid they were. I would be lying if I told you that I handled myself with grace and control over the last few days. I have to confess that my family received the wrath of all of my fears and frustrations regarding our future this week as well.
This afternoon after some of the chaos had dissipated; I realized that the one person who should be educated on what’s going in the world was not called upon. So, when the phone stopped ringing and the house finally became silent I began to write a letter to the big guy upstairs…..Yep! That’s right! It was time to tell God a few things that He must have missed while making His rounds through our neighborhood.
As I began to write I could feel the anger building inside me! So the first words I wrote were, “Where are you God!” Then I put down the pen and said, “Now Lord, I don’t want to tell you how to run the world….but, well you had better get down here and help me with these endless medical bills, make sure my husband isn’t the next one to be let go from his company and give me some peace from all the yelling!” (At this point I realized I was the only one screaming)…Within minutes my emotions went from anger to fear! My heart pounded as I started to think of what could happen to me and my loved ones if God didn’t stop the madness! And it was only after I allowed myself to feel the fear that the tears started to flow and I went from telling God how He needed to run the world to crying out to the Lord to rescue my family and friends from the overwhelming fear that lingers from house to house throughout our city. At this point I bowed my head and prayed, “God there is so many hurting children on the streets and parents suffering because they can’t afford to get medical care for their family because they too have no job. Lord help them…help us all”
When I opened my Bible I went directly to the words a special man read to me when I was young and living in fear, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
Because I truly believe that God uses music to speak to us, I will post this video as well. This girls name is Charice. She expresses so much emotion throughout the song! I love it!!!!
Sunday, January 24, 2010
"A mother understands what a child does not say.”
Hey Friends!
I want to make you aware of a Country Music Artist who is supporting homeless teens. He is taking it to the ultimate by sacraficing himself. He is walking across the US (in the winter) to show society what it is like to be a homeless child on the streets. He was 14 when he was sent out to survive! Jimmy can share his story...than so can I. Jimmy encourages you to get involved -- in whatever way you can. Maybe you'd make a great foster parent. Perhaps you could volunteer to help kids in your community. And if making a donation is more your style, anything you can contribute to the cause will be helpful. Find an organization in your own community that helps kids at risk.
Mission Statement: "Unseen Child Foundation"
To stop the cycle of abuse through raising awareness of all forms of child abuse; through community involvement such as education, mentoring, life skills training and advocates for youth we will stop the cycle of abuse and make the world a safe place for children of many generations to come. Which also includes: financially supporting safe houses, mentoring programs and other services that would otherwise close due to funding.
Please help us by making a donation to the "Unseen Child Foundation" at www.unseenchild.com! You can change the cycle of abuse my looking in to the eyes of an unseen child! Through that one child many live can be changed! Look at what Jimmy has done!
God bless!
Diana Joy
dianajoy6@gmail.com
I want to make you aware of a Country Music Artist who is supporting homeless teens. He is taking it to the ultimate by sacraficing himself. He is walking across the US (in the winter) to show society what it is like to be a homeless child on the streets. He was 14 when he was sent out to survive! Jimmy can share his story...than so can I. Jimmy encourages you to get involved -- in whatever way you can. Maybe you'd make a great foster parent. Perhaps you could volunteer to help kids in your community. And if making a donation is more your style, anything you can contribute to the cause will be helpful. Find an organization in your own community that helps kids at risk.
Mission Statement: "Unseen Child Foundation"
To stop the cycle of abuse through raising awareness of all forms of child abuse; through community involvement such as education, mentoring, life skills training and advocates for youth we will stop the cycle of abuse and make the world a safe place for children of many generations to come. Which also includes: financially supporting safe houses, mentoring programs and other services that would otherwise close due to funding.
Please help us by making a donation to the "Unseen Child Foundation" at www.unseenchild.com! You can change the cycle of abuse my looking in to the eyes of an unseen child! Through that one child many live can be changed! Look at what Jimmy has done!
God bless!
Diana Joy
dianajoy6@gmail.com
Friday, January 22, 2010
My buddies from Spirit Media!
Check out Spirit Media! These guys are going places!!!!
God bless!!
Diana Joy
God bless!!
Diana Joy
Thursday, January 21, 2010
We need to stop the cycle of abuse!
Female Friendly Businesses and Diana Joy Albertsen on Child Abuse - The best video clips are here
The Unseen Child Foundation's Mission Statement:
To stop the cycle of abuse through raising awareness of all forms of child abuse; through community involvement such as education, mentoring, life skills training and advocates for youth we will stop the cycle of abuse and make the world a safe place for children of many generations to come. Which also includes: financially supporting safe houses, mentoring programs and other services that would otherwise close due to funding.
Help me speak in the prisons, churches and Universities to educate society on child abuse. We need to make people aware of all types of abuse that is happening behind closed doors so that the cycle of abuse can come to an end.
I can't do it alone.....
God bless!
Diana Joy
Saturday, January 16, 2010
One person can change so much!
“To the world you may be just one person, but to one person you may be the world.”
This hit me hard when I read this! What if just one person could have said something...maybe the two-year-old would be here today....
Be that one person to change the life of a child!!!!!!!
The mother of a two-year-old boy who had burns over 75 percent of his body pleaded guilty today to child abuse resulting in death in exchange for prosecutors dropping a first-degree murder charge against her.
Isela Reyes-Talamentes, 23, will be sentenced on March 19, and faces a possible maximum sentence of 32 years in prison.
The boy, Elijah Archuleta, was taken to St. Anthony's Central on Nov. 7, 2008, and was pronounced dead shortly after his arrival.
Reyes-Talamentes' boyfriend, John Vigil, 22, is charged with first-degree murder and child abuse resulting in death in the case.
His trial date has not been scheduled.
According to court documents, the couple brought Elijah to a triage room wrapped from head to foot in blankets.
A triage nurse, Gregory Busby, asked the couple how the child was burned and Vigil said Elijah was burned a day earlier while standing in a bathtub. Vigil claimed the youngster turned on the hot water and burned himself.
Vigil claimed they brought the child to the hospital because he was choking - not because of the burns.
Busby noticed the child wasn't breathing and, while running with him, administered two "rescue breaths".
Busby then noticed the child was "ice cold" and "had no pulse."
Medical personnel spent 30 minutes trying to revive the child but were unsuccessful.
Police went to the couple's home and found Elijah's sister, four-year-old Serenity.
She told police that Vigil had burned Elijah and after doing so he started choking and died.
Serenity told investigators that her mommy was crying and upset that Elijah had died.
Reyes-Talamentes first told police that Vigil, who was serving a three-year deferred sentence for drug dealing, gave the boy a bath after he returned from a court appearance.
Later, she changed her story.
She told detectives that Vigil had picked her up from work with Elijah in the car.
She noticed that Elijah's hands and face were red. However, instead of taking the child to a hospital, she said they went to Vigil's court hearing, then went to Chipotle, and then to Wal-Mart, where they bought chips, sliced turkey and Lunchables.
After that, Vigil went and hung out with friends.
Eventually, after the Reyes-Talamentes discovered the extent of the injuries to the child, they finally took the child to a hospital.
Jan. 13th 2010 - Read more: http://www.denverpost.com/commented/ci_14181923?source=commented-#ixzz0cqdGSLIH
This hit me hard when I read this! What if just one person could have said something...maybe the two-year-old would be here today....
Be that one person to change the life of a child!!!!!!!
The mother of a two-year-old boy who had burns over 75 percent of his body pleaded guilty today to child abuse resulting in death in exchange for prosecutors dropping a first-degree murder charge against her.
Isela Reyes-Talamentes, 23, will be sentenced on March 19, and faces a possible maximum sentence of 32 years in prison.
The boy, Elijah Archuleta, was taken to St. Anthony's Central on Nov. 7, 2008, and was pronounced dead shortly after his arrival.
Reyes-Talamentes' boyfriend, John Vigil, 22, is charged with first-degree murder and child abuse resulting in death in the case.
His trial date has not been scheduled.
According to court documents, the couple brought Elijah to a triage room wrapped from head to foot in blankets.
A triage nurse, Gregory Busby, asked the couple how the child was burned and Vigil said Elijah was burned a day earlier while standing in a bathtub. Vigil claimed the youngster turned on the hot water and burned himself.
Vigil claimed they brought the child to the hospital because he was choking - not because of the burns.
Busby noticed the child wasn't breathing and, while running with him, administered two "rescue breaths".
Busby then noticed the child was "ice cold" and "had no pulse."
Medical personnel spent 30 minutes trying to revive the child but were unsuccessful.
Police went to the couple's home and found Elijah's sister, four-year-old Serenity.
She told police that Vigil had burned Elijah and after doing so he started choking and died.
Serenity told investigators that her mommy was crying and upset that Elijah had died.
Reyes-Talamentes first told police that Vigil, who was serving a three-year deferred sentence for drug dealing, gave the boy a bath after he returned from a court appearance.
Later, she changed her story.
She told detectives that Vigil had picked her up from work with Elijah in the car.
She noticed that Elijah's hands and face were red. However, instead of taking the child to a hospital, she said they went to Vigil's court hearing, then went to Chipotle, and then to Wal-Mart, where they bought chips, sliced turkey and Lunchables.
After that, Vigil went and hung out with friends.
Eventually, after the Reyes-Talamentes discovered the extent of the injuries to the child, they finally took the child to a hospital.
Jan. 13th 2010 - Read more: http://www.denverpost.com/commented/ci_14181923?source=commented-#ixzz0cqdGSLIH
Friday, January 15, 2010
It's time to stop the world and get off!
All week I kept telling myself and others, "Stay positive, God has everything in control, everything happens for a reason, dream big and great things will happen. But, now I realize I wasn't listening to their pain. I was covering it up with quick answers and moving on through my day. So, I need to apologize to all those who have e-mailed me or called me and due to a stupid list of "To Do's" I responded quickly and moved on with my day.
Yesterday everything came crumbling down!
I had a conflict with one of my closest friends for the first time ever. And honestly, I didn't even see it coming! I'm sure it was because I was blindly rushing through my day not taking time to listen.
Then I had several deadlines to meet and only accomplished 1/4 of what was expected. By the end of the day I realized my daughter needed me to finish up some of her Senior Year necessities and the deadline was yesterday. But, because I was trying to juggle too many tasks at once, the most important task that needed to be top on my list...was pushed down and I only accomplished 1/2 of what she needed. I am so thankful for her soft, forgiving spirit and the gifts that God gave her of knowing how to make everything work no matter how impossible it may seem. She got on the phone and was able to request an extension until 11:30 today. So, I put that task on the top of my list...then told my 12 year-old that we would have girls night tonight and the phone and the computer would be turned off!
As I write I hope you are getting the idea of how crazy my life has been. But, no matter how much I cried out to God yesterday and blamed Him for everything. The reality is I didn't take time to listen to even Him. So this morning I knew I needed to stop the world and step off! I finally sat with God and listened. What I heard Him say was what I have heard so many times when my life gets out of control, "Diana, it's ok my child, I know you are hurting. You don't have to be strong with me. Come lay in my arms my child and let the tears flow. Let me take care of the rest." I finally gave him the list of failed tasks and the people I have hurt while trying to accomplish it all. At this point I finally realized that the list was written to somehow control the feelings I had inside me. The tears fell for all the pain that I have seen over the last couple of weeks! I finally stopped rushing around controlling every move I make....I finally sobbed for all the lives lost in Haiti :( And began praying for the country that has lost so much and prayed for God to hold them tightly in His arms!
For all the individuals who sent me e-mails and texts saying:
*I don't have a job any more!
*Where do I go from here?
*My husband just left and now I have children to raise alone!
*The court took away my children and I need your help!
*My child's sick and I don't know what to do!
*Or worse, I'm sick and I don't know what's wrong?....
*And the most common e-mail is,"Is the world ending? I see disaster all over! Isn't that signs of the end times?"
I humbly tell you that these are all questions that I cannot answer. But,know who can! I did the most important task of all..which is give every ones fears and pain to God.
As the tears are falling with each word I type, I hand one by one each of the burdens I have carried throughout the week over to God. After I finished sobbing and praying to God this morning, I opened my e-mail and finished the last of my tasks for the week. I decided the weekend would be set aside for family and God.
In one of the e-mails a good friend Teresa Weesner sent me this devotional. I hope you get as much out of this as I did =)
Road of Life
At first, I saw God as my observer, my judge, keeping track of the things I did wrong, so as to know whether I merited heaven or hell when I die. He was out there, sort of like a president. I recognized His picture when I saw it, but I really didn't know Him.
But later on when I met Christ, it seemed as though life were rather like a bike ride, but it was a tandem bike. and I noticed that Christ was in the back helping me pedal.
I don't know just when it was that He suggested we changed places, but life has not been the same since. When I had control. I knew the way. It was rather boring, but predictable...It was the shortest distance between two points. But when He took the lead, He knew delightful long cuts, up mountains, and through rocky places at breakneck speeds, it was all I could do to hang on!! Even though it looked like madness, He said, "Pedal!"
I worried and was anxious and asked, "Where are you taking me?" He laughed and didn't answer, and I started to learn to trust. I forgot my boring life and entered into the adventure. And when I'd say, "I'm scared," He'd lean back and touch my hand. He took me to people with gifts that I needed, gifts of healing, acceptance and joy. They gave me their gifts to take on my journey, my Lord's and mine. And we were off again. He said, "Give the gifts away; they're extra baggage, too much weight." So I did, to the people we met, and I found that in giving I received, and still our burden was light.
I did not trust Him, at first, in control of my life. I thought He'd wreck it; but He knows bike secrets, knows how to make it bend to take sharp corners, jumps to clear high rocks, fly to shorten scary passages. And I am learning to shut up and pedal in the strangest places, and I'm beginning to enjoy the cool breeze on my face with my delightful constant companion, Christ. And when I'm sure I just can't do anymore, He just smiles and says..."Pedal."
--Author?
I think the Author is God =)
God bless and have a wonderful weekend!
Diana Joy
Yesterday everything came crumbling down!
I had a conflict with one of my closest friends for the first time ever. And honestly, I didn't even see it coming! I'm sure it was because I was blindly rushing through my day not taking time to listen.
Then I had several deadlines to meet and only accomplished 1/4 of what was expected. By the end of the day I realized my daughter needed me to finish up some of her Senior Year necessities and the deadline was yesterday. But, because I was trying to juggle too many tasks at once, the most important task that needed to be top on my list...was pushed down and I only accomplished 1/2 of what she needed. I am so thankful for her soft, forgiving spirit and the gifts that God gave her of knowing how to make everything work no matter how impossible it may seem. She got on the phone and was able to request an extension until 11:30 today. So, I put that task on the top of my list...then told my 12 year-old that we would have girls night tonight and the phone and the computer would be turned off!
As I write I hope you are getting the idea of how crazy my life has been. But, no matter how much I cried out to God yesterday and blamed Him for everything. The reality is I didn't take time to listen to even Him. So this morning I knew I needed to stop the world and step off! I finally sat with God and listened. What I heard Him say was what I have heard so many times when my life gets out of control, "Diana, it's ok my child, I know you are hurting. You don't have to be strong with me. Come lay in my arms my child and let the tears flow. Let me take care of the rest." I finally gave him the list of failed tasks and the people I have hurt while trying to accomplish it all. At this point I finally realized that the list was written to somehow control the feelings I had inside me. The tears fell for all the pain that I have seen over the last couple of weeks! I finally stopped rushing around controlling every move I make....I finally sobbed for all the lives lost in Haiti :( And began praying for the country that has lost so much and prayed for God to hold them tightly in His arms!
For all the individuals who sent me e-mails and texts saying:
*I don't have a job any more!
*Where do I go from here?
*My husband just left and now I have children to raise alone!
*The court took away my children and I need your help!
*My child's sick and I don't know what to do!
*Or worse, I'm sick and I don't know what's wrong?....
*And the most common e-mail is,"Is the world ending? I see disaster all over! Isn't that signs of the end times?"
I humbly tell you that these are all questions that I cannot answer. But,know who can! I did the most important task of all..which is give every ones fears and pain to God.
As the tears are falling with each word I type, I hand one by one each of the burdens I have carried throughout the week over to God. After I finished sobbing and praying to God this morning, I opened my e-mail and finished the last of my tasks for the week. I decided the weekend would be set aside for family and God.
In one of the e-mails a good friend Teresa Weesner sent me this devotional. I hope you get as much out of this as I did =)
Road of Life
At first, I saw God as my observer, my judge, keeping track of the things I did wrong, so as to know whether I merited heaven or hell when I die. He was out there, sort of like a president. I recognized His picture when I saw it, but I really didn't know Him.
But later on when I met Christ, it seemed as though life were rather like a bike ride, but it was a tandem bike. and I noticed that Christ was in the back helping me pedal.
I don't know just when it was that He suggested we changed places, but life has not been the same since. When I had control. I knew the way. It was rather boring, but predictable...It was the shortest distance between two points. But when He took the lead, He knew delightful long cuts, up mountains, and through rocky places at breakneck speeds, it was all I could do to hang on!! Even though it looked like madness, He said, "Pedal!"
I worried and was anxious and asked, "Where are you taking me?" He laughed and didn't answer, and I started to learn to trust. I forgot my boring life and entered into the adventure. And when I'd say, "I'm scared," He'd lean back and touch my hand. He took me to people with gifts that I needed, gifts of healing, acceptance and joy. They gave me their gifts to take on my journey, my Lord's and mine. And we were off again. He said, "Give the gifts away; they're extra baggage, too much weight." So I did, to the people we met, and I found that in giving I received, and still our burden was light.
I did not trust Him, at first, in control of my life. I thought He'd wreck it; but He knows bike secrets, knows how to make it bend to take sharp corners, jumps to clear high rocks, fly to shorten scary passages. And I am learning to shut up and pedal in the strangest places, and I'm beginning to enjoy the cool breeze on my face with my delightful constant companion, Christ. And when I'm sure I just can't do anymore, He just smiles and says..."Pedal."
--Author?
I think the Author is God =)
God bless and have a wonderful weekend!
Diana Joy
Saturday, January 09, 2010
My good friend Robert Jason!
I was honored to have the opportunity to meet Robert Jason when he showed up at our book signing with Borders Books in Nashville TN! I so wished we could have spent more time together....we have stayed in touch through e-mails and phone calls....but, something tells me we will be seeing each other again soon =) Robert is a multi-talented Songwriter, Producer, Composer, and Studio Vocalist, whose songs have been recorded by Alabama, Reba McEntire, Barry White, and Fox Brothers. Check out his site http://www.robertjason.com/.
I will be posting more video's of the awesome people who have come into my life through the book tour with Borders.
God bless!
I will be posting more video's of the awesome people who have come into my life through the book tour with Borders.
God bless!
My time in Nashville!
Hey Ya'll!
I had a wonderful time in Nashville and I would like to introduce you to some of my new friends! 
Here is one of my good friends Becky Wright.
Here is one of my good friends Becky Wright. Here is Kim McLean entertaining us with "Pearl".
And her good friend Devon O'Day was also singing. I can't tell you how much it meant to me to have Kim, Devon and Becky show up at my book signing and sing such powerful songs! This is a memory that will never be forgotten! On New Years Eve I received a text from so many wonderful friends in Nashville saying, "Your family in Nashville loves you!" I can't wait to see what 2010 will bring! Check out these links and listen to their music!
Becky Wright: http://www.beckywrightsongs.com/
Kim McLean: http://www.kimmclean.com/
Here is Kim, Devon and the band having fun! Stay tuned for more adventures for 2010! I will be posting some of my good buddies and their links! You have to take the time and listen to them =) Also, check out my schedule for 2010 and see who will be on tour with me!
God Bless!
Diana Joy
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