NOTES OF INSPIRATION

“Elo”

Wow, my Sunday was spent in a small room for about 4 hours. That might sound like it wasn’t fun, but I was in a church service. The atmosphere quickly engulfed me in warmth, and I felt so comfortable around a ton of strangers. They all really got into the whole service, it was shocking to see so much love and life in such a small room. Not only that, but who do I see rocking out on the piano? Mrs. Tankard! The amount of joy that surged through my body was unbelievable, I almost cried.
The service was great, I don’t think I’ve ever been in such a loving area before.

I just wanted to say that I’m back from my writing block an I’m here to spread more teen wisdom and insight, as well as hear everybody’s thoughts and advice!

Stay safe,
Elo

This is me and Ms. Tankard at Greater Faith A.M.E. Church, U.S.A., North America. Ms. Tankard was my Literature teacher in high school. Two years ago I asked to join the Notes of Inspiration Team to be their Teen Writer. Ms. Tankard has been an awesome inspiration in my life and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve other teenagers globally. I was so glad to see Ms. Tankard. It was a great day!

With the holidays just around the corner, everyone is busy buying gifts, singing carols, decorating the house, and all that other holiday stuff. I’m definitely not a holiday person; you most likely will never see me at your doorstep singing “Here Comes Santa Claus”, or anything else of that nature. Call me scrooge, but the whole idea of the holidays has changed so much, especially with my generation and all the advances in the world. I’m old fashioned; I like to drink coffee and read the newspaper on a Saturday morning instead of sleeping in. So when I see all the commotion that goes on with “Black Friday”, and all the pathetic things that happen, I just wanna scream. I mean, the holidays aren’t meant for that. If I were to just have nothing for Christmas but some close friends, I’d be okay. I don’t care about the gifts, or the apple pie, or the Christmas trees (even if they are kinda nice). I care about actually getting along with one another. You can’t go around saying that you like everyone and that your family is what matters the most on holidays if you’re going around punching people for the last blue ray player at Best Buy. I mean, I really just don’t give two cents on that nonsense. For once, I just want everyone to stop. Stop being sad, stop stressing, stop begging, stop being ungrateful! Just look at who you’re with. Those people love you, and believe it or not, they aren’t going to be around forever, like that Tickle Me Elmo you just bought for $10. I wanna just say that. Hopefully I’m not the only one who feels this way. I’m only 17, but I’d rather have absolutely nothing but my family, then to have all the gifts in the world.

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew  you, before you were born I set you apart;…” Jeremiah 1:5

Lately, I’ve been feeling a little down. But today, I realized something. For most of my life, I’ve been pushed around, and treated poorly, but someone helped me realize that none of that is true. So to whoever is reading this, in whatever part of the world, and how ever old you are, just know this: you are a wonderful human being. It’s crazy to even be who you are. God created just one of you. He designed you because he knew YOU were to do something amazing. So if you’re down and feeling out of luck, remember that you are loved, and when all else fails, He is with you. No one can stop you from doing what you put your mind to. If you just believe and are determined, you can overcome virtually anything. Don’t be afraid to fall because He will always be there to pick you up. I love you, reader, and I hope you can say the same for yourself.

By Elo Romero

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

9 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: 10 If one falls down, his friend can help him up. 

Throughout the years that I’ve been in high school, I’ve met so many people, as most people do. So many of these people left such a lasting impact on me. I know there’s a small percentage that I’ll be staying friends with these people in 20 years, so I’m cherishing the moments I have with them now. Every single time I get the chance to hang out with them, I make sure it’s worthwhile. You never know when you’ll see that person again, so every moment should be important. I love the fact that I’ve gotten to meet everyone I know, and share my life and who I am with them. They teach me so much. Everyone teaches me little things that help make my life puzzle complete. Thank you, Lord, for letting these people in my life.

Meeting the Music Group “The Innovators” from Zimbabwe

The Innovators

Tatenda, Dzago, Michael, and Knowledge came into my life towards the end of May. These guys are a four piece singing group from Zimbabwe filled with happiness, faith, and determination and they are called “The Innovators”.  I think it was the work of God that I got to meet them and become good friends with them. They have an amazing story too. In their hometown, they spent their days hanging around their church, making music, writing songs, and praying to God. They wanted to come to America and share their word of God with people all over the nation. Applying for their green card, they failed the first time. But they refused to give up. They worked harder, and applied once again- only to find out that rejection was once again the answer. But they knew God was testing them to see how much they were willing to work, and on their third attempt, they were accepted!

The boys settled in Texas, singing for churches and telling their story to many people, both young and old. They traveled from state to state, bringing joy with them. Stopping in Hollywood, they spent time recording and producing their self titled album (which I bought, and had them sign…. Both the inside and outside ha-ha). I had never heard of them, and neither did anyone else I lived with, so we were expecting much. That Sunday, I came to chapel early to rehearse the song I was singing one more time with the band. The Innovators were setting up their instruments and warming up as I did so. After I finished, I started up a friendly conversation, eager to know who these handsome guys were! They were eager to meet me and weren’t shy at all as I bombarded them with questions. After our regular chapel routine, and after I played my song, my pastor announced them onto our ever so small stage. They blew me away, and everyone else. Singing in their native language of Shohon, and English, they talked to us and taught us some of their songs. Then they told us that they were staying until Thursday morning. I was more than excited.

After chapel, I spent time talking with them, and I was pretty much in love with their music. They said they were going to do a show before they left, so Wednesday night seemed so far away. I spent the time telling my teachers how awesome they are and how I was their biggest fan.  So Wednesday finally came. After school, I went to tutoring, and then to my group home’s choir (Joyful Noise). They were there, and for an hour, nine other residents, along with me, had the best time ever. They sang songs with us, and taught us one of their songs. Finally, it was time for them to set up, and for us to go back to our houses and get ready. I was so excited I couldn’t eat. Does that happen to anyone else? I rushed back to chapel an hour later, and danced and sang and even did a singing freestyle! They were amazing, but they had to leave too soon. I gave them a big hug, and we told each other that we’d stay in contact. They knew I was their biggest fan.

These guys taught me to never give up on my dreams. If I want it so bad, then I had to keep trying. They taught me that being sad would never solve anything, and that I should be happy, no matter what. I got to form a relationship with such inspiring guys; I don’t think I’m far from lucky.

“Peace I leave you with; my peace I give you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid.”(John 14:27)

Here is a sample of the Innovator’s Music. Enjoy!

God bless you!

Your Teen Writer,

Elo

Notes of Inspiration

“ I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” John 14:18

I have never(and when I say never, I truly mean it) been one to believe in God, or heaven. I grew up Christian non-practiced, and would sometimes go to church or Easter but then we just kind of stopped. When I moved to Massachussetts to live with my sister, I was introduced to many religions.  About 56% of the kids in my school were Jewish, there were also Atheists and Christians. But what was scary was that they were so open to it.  My two best friends are Jewish and Christian.  My sister and her kids were something I never knew about: Pagan. They really were into it too with the whole soltice stuff and going to the celebrations. It was odd. I was not sure of any of this.  When I moved back to Florida, I was put in a place called FUMCH, which stands for the Florida United Methodist Children’s Home. Living here has changed me so much. I started going to chapel on Wednesday nights ad Sunday mornings, as well as reading the Bible and talking to my Pastor about questions that I didn’t think God could answer. However, living here has opened my eyes and I realize that not only does God exist, he is here to help and he does!

by Elo Romero

*Note: Elo is on summer vacation but will be back with more of her awesome articles. Stay tuned!

We welcome our newest member at Notes of Inspiration. Elizabeth Romero is from Amherst, Massachusetts and has outstanding skills in written literature. She will be writing stories of inspiration that will cater to the Teen population. She will be begin writing articles in May 2012. Welcome, Elo!

Elizabeth “Elo” Romeo