Sign On The Dotted Line

A common trend I have seen on social media is people taking others quotes with no respect to it's author. Who doesn't LOVE 160 characters of realness to share anyway?! Everyone can use good words daily. But that does not mean that you can claim it as yours.

Some of you may be saying 'It's not that serious. Who cares?' Let me explain why it can be serious:

You don't know what people had to live through to attain that wisdom. You don't know how many tears they cried to learn that message. You don't know how many hours they spent studying and trying to put things in their own words, finding the treasure in the tests and sitting on God's Word. True, 'there is nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:9)', however at least try to put it in your OWN swag to it.

No one would ever walk into an art gallery and sign their name on someones art. No one plays a record of another artist and says 'that's me'. No one walks into a hospital and throws on a Dr's gown without first having gone through the preparation; without first accepting that calling.

I know everyone is philosopher on social media but the next time you want to claim someone else's work/words/personal experience as your own, please consider signing their name on the dotted line. It's simply respect.

-Paloma Duran

In a way, fraud in business is no different from infidelity in marriage or plagiarism in scholarly work. Even people committed to high moral standards succumb.Miroslav Volf  

  

Don't Get Caught Up In The Hype

We live in a cut throat world. Just as soon as we think we have the hottest, latest phone or pair of shoes, a new one makes it 'cold' two weeks later. We just can't keep up. Why waste time trying to? 

Contemporary society says cars, bling and more material things are representative of our success. Although those things are awesome, they are not the only representation of success. Americans are buying more than they can afford to impress people who don't really care.

You want proof? According to Nerd Wallet, just check out the American Household Credit Card Debt Statistics latest information

U.S. household consumer debt profile:

• Average credit card debt: $15,257

• Average mortgage debt: $149,782

• Average student loan debt: $34,703

You don't want to see America's total debt numbers. And you can blame the government all you want, but each of us have a responsibility for our own well-being. Don't get caught up in the hype. People may have a lot to 'show for' but nothing saved up in the bank for their future. People may have some nice cars in their drive way, and feel utterly empty inside. 

That is why it's so important to be rooted on solid ground. It's not what other people see that defines you or makes you successful, it's what is going on within you. Are you living your dreams? Are you surrounding yourself with positive people? Are you spending more time on instagram than you spend with God? Are you happy, forreal?

You can settle for the show, or you can invest in the background work first. Have a solid root that lives beyond all seasons and grows larger than a naked eye can fathom. It's not just about what others see, it's what's going down behind the scenes.

#LetsKeepItAuthentic 

X-Out Social Media X-perience Social Life

A couple of weeks ago I was invited to participate in a Social Media Fast. It didn't take a lot of thought to know that the Lord was compelling me to be a part of it. I had done a semi fast from Facebook before but really didn't have anyone to hold me accountable so it was a little easier to "slip up".  I challenged my children to be a part of it as well.  We fasted from Facebook, instagram, twitter, games, as well as limited t.v. and radio. 

Day one was rough! I found myself going to my phone almost as natural as I picked up a cigarette and smoked before God delivered me. Without even thinking about it, it was so easy to start something and then get distracted by Facebook before. Honestly, I had to delete the whole app off of my phone and deactivate it. That evening my middle son and I had gotten into an argument because I had asked him to turn off the music he was playing. I was beginning to enjoy the quiet, with four kids that is simply rare.  I was able to expose the stronghold that  cell phone music had on him because of his reaction. 

Almost every night that week we read either a chapter out of the Bible or a devotional, talk about it and then we pray. Our usual 15 minutes lasted an hour. I was elated!! I even asked the kids  if there was anyone at school that was in need of  prayer and they came up with quite a list! It was awesome for them to be able to see all the people around us that are in need. 

That Friday, an Ice cream shop called Sweet Frog was having a Father, daughter "Princess and the Sweet Frog night."  I took my daughter because her father doesn't live here.  It was quite busy, there were lots of  pretty little girls dressed up in princess dresses with Tiaras. We had to wait a little while for a table but once we got one I noticed a dad holding his daughter,  trying to feed her too.  I offered him to come sit at our table. He gladly accepted. When he sat down I began to reach for my phone so I could  "hide behind it" so to speak. BUT I was fasting, so I pressed passed that awkward feeling and asked him a few questions.

Its amazed me how we were in deep conversation about life. His young daughter showed me pictures of herself, her mommy and  her daddy on his phone. It was great. I thought 'wow, this little girl is so proud of her daddy. (Isn't that how we feel about our Heavenly Father?)' He shared how he had just got off of work and rushed her over here to get ice cream.  I wondered what MOM was doing home alone for that little bit of free time too. 

Well, as we got ready to leave I was waiting for my little ones to finish up, I paused and looked around at all the little princesses and their daddy's. I then noticed that out of about 7 dads, 5 of them were on their phone, not even talking to their daughters as they sat there eating ice cream. My heart began to physically ache and I thought wow, look at all these little girls sitting "alone" entertaining themselves with ice cream as daddy plays on his phone. 

I walked behind one man and saw that he was playing Ruzzle. :/   I instantly began to pray and ask God to forgive me for anytime I may have made it seem like my phone was more important than talking to my children. It took me all the way back to my childhood, having parents that were there but not there if that makes any sense. It made me ill to think that we have come to a place where we hide behind phones, text messages and social media. We don't TALK to each other anymore. 

I'm so grateful that God allowed me to fast and see this for myself. I got so much accomplished this week and was able to focus on the more important things in my life. I would encourage anyone to try it for yourself and see what you have been missing out on!!!

Meet Tabata~ You can email her at here

I am so full of joy just to be loved by Jesus. I have a heart for children and making people feel special, valued and loved. I think every woman should know she is BEAUTIFUL, I'm still learning that for myself.

Social Media Fast Update

Last week many of us embarked on a Social Media Fast. Plain and simple: no social media outlets of any kind for seven straight days. You can find more info about it's details here.

Was it easy? It depends on who you ask. So I'll speak for myself here. Before the fast I was checking my phone almost out of habit. I was having social media attention deficient disorder. We've all been there; meaning to start something but getting side tracked because of facebook, ect. I knew it was time to get back to the basics, clear my heart and mind.

I asked you wonderful people to join. I had no idea that it would get so big though, with countless people committing to give the fast a shot and even more participating now on their own time periods. I am overwhelmed with some of the testimonies we've received. Whether it was starting to write a book, catching a 'big break', spending more time with God, speaking with some long lost friends or giving your personal focus your 100%, I applaud you all.

I am so blessed to have people who sincerely support me and the vision of Let's Keep It Authentic. It's always been all about you guys. I love you all and I look forward to the new journey's that we will embark on together.

Remember, this world can be heavy. Sit down, shut off your phone, go for a run, get on your knees in prayer whenever you need to with no reservation. Don't allow this world to withdrawal so much from you and forget to deposit within yourself. You deserve it. Love on yourself often, repeat, now you're ready to love on others better.

God Bless,
Paloma

Social Media Fast: February 20th-27th

It's no secret that social media has taken the world by storm. Checking our social outlets has almost become second nature for many. Just as the smoker of twenty years will say, 'sometimes it comes without thought'. That is where we come into dangerous territory.  Over the last couple of years I've seen this common trend of people choosing to ‘ Facebook’ their problems before facing them. Every few months or so, the Lord will put in my heart to back away from the public for a while. This time it goes way beyond me. I am inviting you, friend, to join us.

Most studies show that to break a habit it takes approximately thirty days. All we’re encouraging is seven. Seven days to not put your feelings and happenings out there to others. Seven days to be ‘out of the loop’. Seven days to get back to focus.

“What should you do in these seven days?”

-Use this time to spend more time with the Lord by reading his Word

-Read those books that you've been meaning to get to

-Build and/or develop your business plan

-Each time that you need to get something out, write it down or call your accountability partner (below)

-Make those steps that you've been meaning to make before social media ADD got ya
-Get to movin'! Take that jog, go visit that old friend or family member...

-Cleanse your spirit, follow your heart

“How is this possible? I can easily change my password and go back on.”

That’s why we are encouraging you to get an accountability partner. This is the person who will change your passwords (Facebook, twitter, etc) and not give it to you until the end the seven days are up. This is also someone who you can call for encouragement and/or prayer. Make sure that your accountability partner is someone that you trust, as I know some of these outlets can hold some personal information. (To be safe, I encourage you all to first remove any and all things that you don’t want anyone seeing.)

As for the apps such as Instagram, delete them off of your mobile device. It’s easy and prevents you from going on there without thought. When the week is over you can simply download the app again and use your old information.

What social media applies?

So happy you asked. Twitter, Facebook, Blogging, Instragram, Youtube, Tumblr, online instant messaging and any other game apps that open a window for mass communication.

We will begin on February 20^th and go through February 27^th. After the seven days are done, we want to know how this social media fast went. What did you learn and how much more you got done.

Even if you believe that this is something that you personally do not need or absolutely cannot participate in due to work, please share it with others. As you do not know who may be blessed with this opportunity.  

A Spirit of Excellence

I listened to this sermon by Joel Olsteen the other day about the Spirit of Excellence. Before I get into the message, can I just say that Joel Olsteen is THAT dude?! Only Joel can give a puncturing Word of God slap in your face, still keep a huge smile on his, while not offending anyone. haha

Anyway, the message talked about having a spirit of excellence in our PRESENT situation.

We may not have our dream house but what are we doing to take care of the house we were blessed with? Are you keeping it titty and everything neat? Are you taking care of the grass or just letting it grow all out of control? 

We might not be graced with a husband of wife that we want, but what are we doing to make ourselves better and where are we looking? Are we all up in the ratchet club expecting to meet a graceful partner? Are we carrying ourselves with respect and dignity?

 We may not have that job or promotion but what are you doing to excel in the one now? Are you clocking out 15 minutes early? Going on facebook, twitter AND instagram every chance you get or are you putting in that extra time, going above and beyond when no one is looking, and still preforming to a tee when your boss is on vacation?

You see, God isn't going to bless us with our next, until we appreciate our now.

Building a Skyscraper

Did you know that the taller the building, the deeper the construction team had to dig into the dirt?

Yes. In order for a massive building to be built, the earth must first be torn and it's base rooted on solid ground. These tall buildings have to be able to withstand trembling winds, up-roaring floods, panicking shakes, and a stampede of people inside trying to make a difference. But before it can be this beautiful building it's core had to be constructed on sure ground.

What am I trying to say? I am trying to say that each expert started as a beginner. I am trying to say that when your world gets shaken, it is not without a reason. I am trying to say that the depth of your past is an indication of the height of your future. As I check my very own heart, I ask you friend, are you building your dreams on solid ground?

Matthew 7:24-25 (24) Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.(25) The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.

Casual Co-Signers

It's always nice to have a group of supporters and friends. Let's Keep It Authentic though, there's going to be times where it seems that no one is holding you down. All the plans you all had together continue to fall flat. They stop working out with you in your supposed to be mutual health spree. They stop shouting you out for your next event. They cancel that movie date you had together. They aren't as dedicated to the goal as you are.

That's okay though! Don't be offended (we're all grown folk with free will)! Don't stop moving! You don't have to wait on them! Keep working out. Go to that movie alone. Enroll in that class you have been wanting to try out. Start your next new project.

Walk alone in confidence, knowing that God is with you where ever you go. Don't block your blessings by not being open to change and tackeling those fears. He is all the back up you need when your back is up against the wall.

Each of us should be striving to better ourselves from morning to sunset as if we were getting paid!

We all appreciate support and shouldn't be too proud to ask for it when need be, but the beauty in your dreams/goals is that fact that you believe in them even when it seems no one else does. Wait on the Lord, not people.

Human Trafficking Awareness Day

Did you know that January 10th is Human Trafficking Awareness Day? It's amazing that a heinous crime as such has only began to be recognized and supported through law within the last decade.

According to Safe Horizon, a national Anti-Trafficking program, there are an estimated 700,000-2 million woman, children, and men world-wide forced into servitude and/or slavery. Human trafficking comes right behind the illicit drug companies in illegal activities for profit.

The vulnerable, the young, the rich and the poor are affected. Forced into slavery through coercion, extreme physical and/or mental abuse, drugs and/or money.

- Sexual exploitation /Forced Prostitution – also includes Forced Marriage and Child Marriage
- Forced Labor – Agricultural, Industrial, Factory work, Fishing Industry
- Bonded Labor - Agricultural, Industrial, Factory work
- Domestic Work (nannies, housekeepers, cooks and gardeners)
- Forced Begging
- Child Soldiers

It doesn't end there. But it begins and grows through awareness. Maybe you've never known anyone affected by human trafficking. Maybe you thought one of those prostitutes downtown asked to be there. Maybe you thought slavery was abolished long ago. But I am here to remind you that is far from the truth.

The upside is that throughout the recent years, many organizations worldwide have taken a stance to fight this silent, yet screaming crime flooding our nations. Check out their links and missions below.


Fair FUND - FAIR Fund was founded as an assistance and empowerment organization to support the successful integration of women's equality into developing civil societies.

Hookers For Jesus - The primary services and programs of Hookers for Jesus are mission driven and are designed to minister healing and restoration of individuals and families affected by sexual exploitation. The primary services of Hookers For Jesus is to Hook (Outreach), Heal (emotional & spiritual restoration) Help (Transitional Assistance) through the Destiny House program

Safe Horizon - Safe Horizon takes action by providing practical services like a new lock, 24-hour hot lines, safe shelter, and food as well as supportive services like mental health counseling.

Not For Sale - Not For Sale empowers marginalized communities to seek their own dignified employment and break the cycle of exploitation.

The Polaris Project - Actual stories of survivors of human trafficking that can make one weep.

Tiny Hands International - THI seeks to educate both local communities and at-risk women and children about trafficking in Nepal. They also do border monitoring, to help this travesty come to an end.

These are only a few resources. Please watch this video below of a young woman who managed to escape the sex trafficking horors.

Love Others How They Want To Be Loved

Love others how they want to be loved, not how you want to be loved. Many present day relationships come to an end as fast as they came to be. In the end, it seems as if someone is always pointing the blame in the opposite direction. Although he/she may have been wrong, have you thought about the effort that you put in to love that person as they wanted to be loved?

We can be so selfish at times with our partner; majority of the time, not even realizing it. It’s only natural to have an expectation of love we receive with the same love that we give. For example, one may consider being left alone and given space when upset a form of love from their partner, while the other may want to be coddled when hurting. It’s so important to understand each other’s love language. Then you all can grow and teach each other, instead of rip each other apart from simple misunderstandings.

Take the time to truly get to know each other and challenge each other to love the other how they want to be loved, not how you want to be loved. After all, isn't love all enduring? Love cannot blossom to its full potential until it’s nurtured.

Just Fly Bumble Bee

Did you know that bees were never meant to fly; aerodynamically speaking?

According to the laws of science the bee’s body is too large and heavy for its frail and small wings to hold it. Technically speaking, the insect that has been found to have one of the most impressive and advanced species systems (such as creating honey, following their queen bee structure and carrying on the legacy of photosynthesis), should ONLY be able to crawl. Yet bees travel in packs into untold lands for a greater purpose. The bees never think “what if I fall?” They never stop and compare their wings to others. They just go. With their one weapon’s use costing their life, they fly against all measures with no fear.

The bee reminds me of all the limits we put on ourselves. It’s like the moment our faults are pointed out; we start to believe them too. Who says you’re not good enough to fly? Who told you that you can’t change for the better NOW? Who said you've got to be like them?

One of the most amazing things about God is that he uses some of the most unexpected candidates. Then He qualifies the one’s brave enough to look past the technicalities of the world. If faith can move mountains, will you let mountains move you? Or will you soar above the say so’s and supposed to’s and just go?

Sometimes I even doubt myself. But then God reminds me that this is a journey. Don’t waste your time wishing and talking as I have before. Just fly. 

Staying Authentic

I truly wish I had one solid story to explain my long departure to the pen, or better yet with evolving time, the key board. Since I can remember, there has always been this burning passion inside of me to write, to help, to inspire.

I saw it going places too. God was opening doors left and right. Then...my insecurities got the best of me. I didn't believe in myself as I once did. Fear took over. Fear was the very thing I thought I said "good-bye" to some time ago. I thought to myself "how can I be such a motivation to others or a blessing in Christ when I am so imperfect?" Then an avalanche of tests (or blessings) poured down.

God reminded me that I am an imperfect person serving a perfect God and that He will supplement every where I lack. That my gifts would make room for me. If only I just believed and stepped out on faith to a whole new level. If only I got out of my own mind.

This post is not intended to be some melo-dramatic episode, but the truth. This is for anyone who ever doubted themselves in any way. This is for anyone who felt they weren't good enough. This is for anyone who ever put their dreams on pause. This is for you, the person too bashful to ever admit it aloud.

Never let your past deter you from your future as I once did. You are complete in Christ. You have the opportunity to start right now in this very second. You have the opportunity to make a difference.

It all starts in believing you can.

In my silence I re-discovered aspects of myself and learned to love them at new depths. Why the vision of Let's Keep It Authentic kept repeating in my dreams even as an adolescent.

I was never meant to be some type of cookie cutter Christian nor person. Never was supposed to be restrained to baking pretty cakes. In the hypothetical, I am raw. Some people like it. Some people don't. So now that I love all of it I can move forward and hopefully through my transparency I can inspire some others to as well.

Hurt People, Hurt People. Be Free.

Goodness it's so easy to forget when caught smack in the middle of confrontation.

 No matter how wrong someone may be towards us, we've got to be mindful. In fact, we really may not know where they're coming from no matter what angle they're presently coming in. You may have no idea the abuse they've experienced or that the same actions that they're displaying are only the same principles taught to them growing up.

I am not trying to alleviate all responsibility because wrong is wrong right is right, but you never know what other people are going through internally...no matter how much their outward appearance may tell a different story.

If you yourself are hurting inside, God is the healer of all wounds not visible to the natural eye. Allow Him to heal you. The temporary ointment of the world won't suffice. The compliments won't withstand. The lust won't command...much of anything. Heal. Keep It Authentic with yourself.

And if I'm going to Keep It Authentic, the boldest thing I ever did was come to the alter and admit to Jesus that my heart was in pieces.

He will heal you. Because realistically, hurt people only end up hurting other people and themselves.

Today on Independence day be FREE. Free from the bondage and chains that have tried to maintain in your heart, spirit and mind. Be FREE of insecurities and judgement. Be FREE of distrust. Be FREE from lust. Be FREE from the feeling of abandonment. You are good enough. You are wonderful. You are healed. 

The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and great in mercy. The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works.” (Psalm 145:8)

Who Lied To You?

Who lied to you and told you that you had to be perfect to come to God?

A friend of mine once said "I am not ready because I'm not ready to live my life like that."

Like what?

There's this strong misconception that one has to COME cleansed but that is an upright LIE! The Lord says "come as you are!"

Allow me to tell yall what that means.

That means broken, broke, abused, addicted, boisterous, cunning, deceiving, fraudulent, hopeless, insecure, jacked up, killer, sinner, lustful, knocked up, liar, hurt, used, bruised, backslider, opportunist, drug dealer, prostitute, and everything in between.

You come willing and He will do the rest. Know that it's going to take work, and a surpassing faith but He will bring comfort, peace, healing and restoration to every area of your life and the lives of your family if you trust Him enough to say "I can't do this without You" and then obey.

What are you waiting for? There's no mess too big or no heart too broken for God.

It's not a sprint. It's a marathon. Keep Going!

Who Will Watch The Watchers Themselves?

It seems as if contemporary society is more corrupt than ever. America somehow views apparel changes as an allowance for swap of morals and location adjustments as the dismissal of principles as well. Bosses encourage manipulation, leaders aren't practicing what they are preaching, authorities are taking advantage, and babies are having babies.

This type of corruption or mislead behavior is nothing new to American culture, much less the world, but what has me in utter is AWE is that it's almost becoming acceptable. Its as if many are in an abusive relationship and have become complacent. We've allowed the statistics; the media, the world truly get to our heads and beat our faith down.

#LetsKeepItAuthentic

It's not okay to lie, cheat or steal to get what you want as it is not okay to manipulate, take advantage of, or JUST 'look out' for your own 'team'. What seems to be happening more than ever is the free pass and go system to the people within your circle. The watchers are watching you but more than ever not checking their own behavior.

2 Peter 2:19
'They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved.

Is it money? Is it placement? Titles? Awards? Is it recognition? Is it out of 'necessity'? Is it the status quo?
Is it wrong?

 

Yes, it is. 

I know Who is watching the watchers. Do you?