Showing posts with label Motivation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Motivation. Show all posts

Friday, September 9, 2016

Most Valuable Playeristic #staywoke

A video posted by "DJ Seko" Seko B.E. Varner (@grandpacrunk) on
DJ Seko VArner gets motivational and sews seeds of proactical consciousness while speaking to a group of teenagers including students due to graduate in 2017. #staywoke

Monday, February 10, 2014

Wave your hands in the air ! (Accommodations)

True story....

My background in Special Education has provided me with a working concept with the term accommodations. Students who receive Special Education services very often have instructional accommodations (changes in the way a teacher provides instruction) to make sure that each student has access to a similar level of instruction. Some students have accommodations of sitting in the front of the room, or additional time to submit work, or they wear glasses or a hearing aid. The teacher doesn't change the instruction, the students just gets something to give them equal access to the experience.
Very often when I do presentations, I guide the audience into understanding that they are responsible for identifying areas in their life where they have deficiencies, and find accommodations to assist them. Using auto-pay on my retirement investments is an example of an accommodation as I often forget to invest if I didn't use auto-pay. I also use two alarm clocks set at different times to make sure I awaken at time. Often in life we are presented with good information, yet we ignore the information because it may not seem to apply to us. If you want the results that the information provides, but don’t think that the information can apply to you, then this would be a good time to apply an accommodation.
A while ago I was leading a group of teens in a leadership training activity into considering the concepts of accommodations and the importance of one to identify one's deficiencies and find accommodations. I asked if any of them had problems with their 9 times tables and a few students shook their head affirming YES. I then showed a Youtube video that demonstrated how one can use their 10 fingers to do the 9 times tables easily. (Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oamy8L2lDZM). As I began doing the strategy in front of the group I then noticed that one of the teens only had one hand. To make things further embarsing, this was one of the teens who stated that they had a problem with the 9 times table. I quickly stated "If you want to be slick, you can do this with your feet so that no-one can see that you needed the accommodations." The student smiled, and shook their head in agreement. Later on my co-facilitator stated "I was embarrassed for you. I just wanted to begin laughing when I realized the student only had one hand. You handled that well. I just had a thought. If that teen could draw a hand on a sheet of paper, they could use that strategy. If they are creative, that strategy can still work for them.
Identify your problems, and search for accommodations. You can accomplish the same with less. You have the whole world in your HAND. Give yourself a HAND !
Be prosperous !
Seko

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Seko Varner is from Positive Vibes. They specialize in Special Events Entertainment and have a financial division for debt reduction and debt management. Seko has diverse background in business, real estate, finance, entertainment, counseling and education. Seko is active with numerous Youth Mentorship programs and has a background in radio and television. Visit www.HappilyEverAfter.Be or call 757-932-0177 for more details.

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Money is Spiritual - Rabbi Daniel Lapin


I just finished listening to the newest episode of Dave Ramsey's EntreLeadership podcast. On this episode, Dave Ramsey teaches more ways EntreLeaders can apply Financial Peace principles to their businesses and Chris LoCurto interviews best-selling author and financial expert Rabbi Daniel Lapin. While I began listening for Dave's viewpoints, I ended up listening to Rabbi Daniels's section four times. Good stuff ! Click here for the link to access this podcast. I've now downloaded the episode and will be listening to it as I hit Planet Fitness in a few hours.......Or if Planet Fitness hits me, which is more likely.......... Anywhoooooo !

Thou Shalt Prosper is a widely acclaimed book written by the good Rabi regarding Hebrew/Jewish financial practices. A while ago I learned that a lot of the ancient Hebrew/Jewish text gave practical advice on ways in which the followers were to approach money and business. I found it interesting how the cultural and religious traditions focused so much on creating and maintaining a 'blessed financial foundation'. So I googled' the good Rabi and found that he has much to offer online. Below is a link to receive his weekly Thought Tools, also below is a video from one of his sessions on the 700 club. http://youtu.be/pjcbQdteWkU 



Enjoy the videos. Hopefully you'll enjoy the gift as much as I did. Also sign up for his weekly email. I did.

America's Rabbi's Thought Tools
Thought Tools is a free weekly Bible study email from Rabbi Daniel Lapin. It brings you tips, techniques, and knowledge that you will use to improve your life in four areas-Family, Faith, Friends, and Finances.
CLICK HERE TO BE REDIRECTED TO THE PAGE TO SIGN UP FOR THOUGHT TOOLS

Have a healthy new year ! (Fiscally Healthy & Physically healthy !) Something to consider...

Seko Varner
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Seko Varner is from Positive Vibes Financial, a World Financial Group team of financial services agents. They specialize in debt reduction, investments, and insurances. Seko is also in high demand as a special events DJ and owns an event marketing service. Seko has diverse background in business, real estate, counseling and education. Seko is active with numerous Youth Mentorship programs and has a background in radio and television. Visit www.HappilyEverAfter.Be or call 757-248-3820 for more details.

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Umoja, Unity - We Are One in Splendor

We are one in splendor:
We stayed in the house today (12/26/2012). We watched BET's marathon of Alex Haley movies and explained aspects of America's history of Improvement with our children. In the midst of the marathon I smiled thinking how far my family has come based upon the stories my grandmothers told me of our history. I also grimaced, considering the difficult Christmas time my family has had this year. On New Years Eve I consoled a tearful and shaking woman who wondered aloud "I fought to stay alive for this ? I didn't stay alive for this life." Her words were like a cold drink on a bad tooth. I struggled to remain calm and whisper "I glad... We're glad that you decided to fight. We're glad you're alive Mom." Mom then shared her despair that the family seemed dis-jointed and her fears that wounds would never heal. "I just want us to be ONE." Forcing a smile I struggled to say "We Are One. We will remain one." I then prayed to the Almighty for Oneship' followed by talking in-my-mind to the memory of my Father and Mother-In-Law. "Dad, Mom (Mother-in-law) - a familiar presence is needed." I needed a sign.

The next morning I awoke and prayed "Yeshua (Jesus), As your followers celebrate your birth, allow my family to feel your splendor." Later that afternoon my revered Sister (Sister-in-law) became engaged. Later that afternoon the wounds that afflicted my family began healing. Later that afternoon I delivered a Christmas plate from a family get-together to my Mum who was finally sleeping soundly. It is truly beautiful and splendid for brethren to dwell together in Unity. I awoke this morning to a day that we dedicate to Building and Maintaining Unity in the family, community, nation and race. Habari Gani ? - Umoja (Unity). We are one in splendor.
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From December 26th, 2007:
http://daddyvarner.blogspot.com/2007/12/we-are-one.html
We are one.... Today we had a PJday. We remained in the home and the kids and the Wifey never left their pajamas. I left the home only to turn in some paperwork at one of my side hustles, and also to buy some food from Choice Pizza & Subs in Virginia Beach. We stayed in the whole day and played, watched t.v., ate together, and had family time. During dinner I turned off the television and picked up a newspaper article that asked the question "What do you know about Kwanzaa ?"

I've been celebrating Kwanzaa for over 30 years. While in Columbus, Ohio my pops/mum sponsored Dr. Karenga (The main creator of the American Kwanzaa celebration) and his equally radical wife to stay with us as he did a three day cultural event for my pops' church Advent United Church of Christ. My Father (aided by my Mum) built this church from a few follks in my parent's living room. We had been celebrating our Kwanzaa for about seven years when Karenga came. He was a bit much for me then, as I really wanted just to fit in and Columbus Ohio in the 1980's was still a little scared of Kwanzaa. Each day during Kwanzaa in the 80's a group of Afrika-loving folk would gather together in homes, community centers, churches and in parks (t'was really cold in the parks) and revel in our ancestral love. (Circa 1977 - 1986) I loved these celebrations as people got together and pot-lucked, listened to story tellers, danced to African Drums from Tony West and The Imani Dancers, partied with a D.J. who threw-down, and the ladies were so hot !
Today will be my children's 7th and 6th Kwanzaa respectively. Kwanzaa is just something our family does, my parents have a well attended family Kwanzaa celebration every year and my daughter previously danced with a group (http://www.suwabiafricanballet.com/) named Suwabi Afrikan Ballet. I have also coordinated a long standing Kwanzaa celebration for the Imani Foundation (http://www.imanifoundation.com/) for about nine yars (tomorrow will be the 19th annual event for Imani Foundation which is 12 years old...we were members of Uhuruu African American Cultural for seven years and ran our program under that moniker). This year I declined to coordinate the event, and I will resign my position as the President of The Imani Foundation on 12/27/2008.

Normally on 12/26 we are at somebodies public event. This year we stayed home, as Kwanzaa should stay at home, as it was intended. Karenga and the U.S. organization (Karenga did develop the celebration with other people) designed public Kwanzaa events as events to teach non-practitioners how to celebrate Kwanzaa. At the close of tonight's dinner I asked my kids (to innitiate our Kwanzaa celebration) "What do you know about Kwanzaa ?" My daughter stated "The Red is for STRUGGLE, the Black is for PEOPLE, the Green is for HOPE." That's not completely the descriptions that the U.S. organization provided, yet that is what I have chosen to teach my kids. I didn't diverge from the truth, I removed some terms that may separate us from our peers. My wife greeted them with "Habri Gani" and my son said "Que Paso" (a loose translation into soulful-spanish). Then he and my daughter both said Umoja. Umoja being the principle of today prompted the question "What is Unity ?" My Son-sun answered that Unity is everything being stuck together and becoming like one. He then explained how the entire world is connected by touching. He said "The chair is touching the floor that's touching the wall that's touching the piano, that's touching the wall that's touching the painting. Everything in the world is touching something and we are all connected. As I searched for the exception to his rule I couldn't find one on a non-sub-atomic level. We are all touching each other in some way. We are all touched and effected by tragedies, and we are all touched by the breath of life. We are all touched by STRUGGLES. We are all touched by other PEOPLE. We are all touched by seeing others operate in HOPE.

I don't celebrate Ramadan but I've been touched by the words and actions of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan. I'm not Jewish, maybe I'm Hebrew (I'm sure some are not gonna' understand that), but I've been touched by my beloved friends of Temple Beth El who are Biblical Jews (Israelistes) as opposed to Rabbinical Jews. I'm constantly touched by Donnie D. who hosts "The Big Idea" on CNBC (One of my favorite shows and stations). As a child, every Chanukkah in New York (1968 - 1976) was spent with my parent's dear friends the Gluckmans (Rabbi Emeritus Donald N. Gluckman and family) who allowed me to get drunk on wine as a two year old at one of their celebrations when all the adults failed to notice that a little boy was drinking after everyone.

I'm a Conscious-Christian and I've been touched by Christian people and groups who terrorized my family/ancestors with "Accept Christ or die" and the Trail of Tears, and the Klu Klux Klan (yes, they were a Christian group) as well as being loved, touched by, and prayed for by Christian absolute strangers who saw a frown on my face as I struggled with something in life. I never could think of anything to debunk my son's theory. As I considered the origins of mankind I began singing a Frankie Beverly and Maze tune..... "We are one." My sons' simple observation was truly profound. We are one. May we remain one. May we exemplify oneness. One love yall'. Happy Ramadan, Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy New Year. Whatever you celebrate, I celebrate you !
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Post script - I am well aware of Dr. Karenga's past and the environment that the Kwanzaa celebration was birthed into. The celebrants of Kwanzaa that I associate with view Karenga's past and movement towards Improvement as we view America's past and America's movement towards improvement. We also value that the last letter "A" in Kwanzaa is a tribute to "America" (The term Kwanza has one ending letter "A", the celebration Kwanzaa ends with "AA" which nods to Afro-America".) Also we embrace that Kwanzaa was a man-made creation similar to Mother's Day, Father's Day, Christmas, and all other Holy-Days and Holidays. Lastly we embrace that while Dr. Karenga and the U.S. Organization did not place the date to conflict with Christmas although in the 3rd century Christmas was changed from it's earlier various dates (notable January 6th as the Orthodox and Coptic Churches still celebrate Christmas on January 6th) as one of the many tactics the early church used to stamp out earlier religious and cultural celebrations that were on December 25th in order to force conversion to our beloved Christianity.
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Seko Varner is from Positive Vibes Financial, a World Financial Group team of financial services agents. They specialize in debt reduction, investments, and insurances. Seko is in high demand as a special events DJ and owns an event marketing service. Seko has diverse background in real estate, personal finance, business, counseling and education. Seko is active with numerous Youth Mentorship programs and has a background in radio and television. Visit www.HappilyEverAfter.Be or call 757-248-3820 for more details.

Monday, November 26, 2012

Get a Growth Plan - John Maxwell on Entreleadership

Hey beloved,

      I recently listened to the Entreleadership podcast that featured John Maxwell. The Entreleadership podcast is a treasure trove on growth, leadership, and business uplift that is featured on Dave Ramsey's website. I've been listening to the podcast for over a year now and look forward to that electronic note that a new episode is live. I also listen to Raheem Devaughan's podcast 'dedicatedly' (I made the word up) as well. Back to Maxwell..........

     This podcast dealt with the concept of a 'Growth Plan'. Many of us confuse natural maturity with growth. The natural instinctual maturity progression moves one physically through the stages of development from birth, to infant, to toddler, to child, to young adult, to adulthood, to elder-ship, to death. Growth, however, is intentional. In the same way that a properly followed 'budget' tells your money how to move one out of debt and into wealth an intentionally followed and developed 'Growth Plan' can lead one towards the wealth that growth provides.

     Leadership guru John Maxwell asks two questions when moving towards growth. These questions are (1) What are you doing to grow you, and (2) what are you doing to grow others ? Growth is intentional according to Maxwell. After listening to the podcast I wrote in my notebook "One will have to battle and fight and struggle when growing. Battle, fight, and struggle". Maxwell says "No growing begins until you begin to grow.

     This episode of the Entreleadership podcast is a winner. The post describes the episode in this manner:

Personal Growth with John C. Maxwell

On this episode, Chris LoCurto interviews leadership expert John C. Maxwell about his new book The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth. Dave Ramsey explains the “Wheel of Life” and how it applies to personal and professional goal setting.
     Click Here (or the full link below) to learn about getting your personal Growth Plan:
http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/a1611.g.akamai.net/f/1611/26342/9h/dramsey.download.akamai.com/23572/audio/mp3/entreleadership/podcast/entreleadership-20121009.mp3?r=1 

     I further suggest that everyone serious about intentional growth become a fan of the EntreLeadership podcast. The link to the webpage is here: http://www.daveramsey.com/entreleadership/podcast The podcast page describes itself with this quote: "Leaders never stop learning. They never stop growing. Leaders recognize the importance of staying ahead. The EntreLeadership Podcast is a great way to do just that. The topics are timely and relevant, and the speakers are the best in business. We’ll feature new podcasts here every two weeks. Listen to our latest podcast and keep moving ahead." I highly reccomend listening to the episodes. I do. Be prosperous !

Seko
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Seko Varner is from Positive Vibes Financial, a World Financial Group team of financial services agents. They specialize in debt reduction, investments, and insurances. Seko is in high demand as a special events DJ and owns an event marketing service. Seko has diverse background in business, counseling and education. He has been real estate agent, a school counselor, a teacher, and an Intensive In-Home Counselor. Seko is active with numerous Youth Mentorship programs and has a background in radio and television. Visit www.HappilyEverAfter.Be or call 757-248-3820 for more details.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Dealing with the DEBT MYTH - Dave Ramsey

Blessings beloved,
     I'm a big fan of Dave Ramsey. One of the most difficult aspects of the Financial Peace strategy that his company teaches is that Debt is unnecessary. I have been a short time listener of Dave Ramsey's various shows and Youtube videos. I think I got into his materials about five years ago as I transitioned from being a Real Estate agent into becoming a Financial Services provider.....As a side note I'm frequently asked why did I leave the Real Estate field when I was having a growing level of success. The shortest answer is I dislike shopping and working with buyers is similar to shopping. We're in a buyers market (in Hampton Roads Virginia) and I admitted to myself that I didn't want to work with the rising tide of foreclosures as a main source of sellers...... Back to Dave Ramsey......

     While taking Financial Peace University with the "Wifey'-Fo'-Lifey" I watched our classes members struggle with the concept that Debt is unnecessary. As I meet with client's now and share the same view on Debt I get a lot of confusion and nonacceptance when I share that's it's better to show your children how to stay out of debt and guide them away from debt rather than to help them "Build their Credit Score". Here's what Dave Ramsey says about DEBT:

Dave Ramsey (Podcast  10/23/2012) times from 01:56:01  to  01:56:36.
Debt is dumb – Dave Ramsey tells you why: “Building your credit is the biggest myth, the biggest lie that has been sold to the last two generations.  And so many people bought it that they are deeply in debt; it’s affected their marriage, it’s affected their future, it’s affected their ability to feed themselves – to take care of themselves at retirement, it’s affected their ability to change their family tree. It’s affected everything.  Because we believe that you have to go into debt, so we have the opportunity later to go further into debt. That’s the build your credit myth."
     The dirty little secret is that one can get a job and get an apartment, car loan, or a mortgage with a zero (0) credit score and with a good credit score. It's only when one has a bad credit score that things become extremely difficult. If one has a zero credit score that indicates that they do not use credit...... and banks will jump to give them a loan. Apartments that require a credit check may ask for a bigger deposit or one may need to work with a private owner if one has a zero credit score. Believe it or not people do buy houses and vehicles with zero credit scores and/or by purchasing the car or home with cash.

      Although this approach sounds crazy it works. To be practical I advise this: Create an emergency fund of a minimum of three months of your expenses. Don't use your credit cards for emergencies or fake emergencies (Christmas gifts and Birthday parties are not emergencies). If you have bills and debts pay them on-time or early. If you can't afford to buy something outright then you truly can't afford it. If you can't afford to buy a vehicle with a three year loan you can't afford the vehicle (you can afford the monthly payments...but you truly can't afford the vehicle). Create a "Gonna' Happen' savings account to be financial prepared for car repairs, Christmas gifts, and other things that are gonna' happen. Follow this path and the funny thing is your credit score will rise......but you won't need their stinking credit score or credit card !

    As an interesting side note I shared this path with a lady who described herself as a Christian first and anything else second. I shared with her that the 'canonized' Holy Bible says (Proverbs 22:7) "The borrower is slave to the lender." and  (Psalm 37:21, Ecclesiastes 5:4) "We are required to pay back what we borrowed." and (Deuteronomy 28:12) The Lord will open for you His good storehouse, the heavens, to give rain to your land in its season and to bless all the work of your hand; and you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow.Her interpretation of these passages, after she researched them, led her to believe that her habit and reliance on the use of credit was against the will of God. I'm hoping that she remains of out debt. Time will tell......

     If you or anyone you know is struggling with Debt - Contact me and I'll do my best to assist them. Teach you children to save and invest 15 cent out of every dollar they receive and later on they will not need credit. Easy advice, hard to follow. I know personally, as I'm walking my way out of debt as well. I invite you to walk with me.

      Dave Ramsey has a great website and the website is http://www.daveramsey.com . His company was giving away an audio MP3 file for free for a limited time period (that time may have passed by the time of this posting). Access that file by clicking here while the promotional lasts. I also advise anyone to attend his company's Financial Peace University.... It's worth every second. Uhuru !
Seko
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Seko Varner is from Positive Vibes Financial, a World Financial Group team of financial services agents. They specialize in debt reduction, investments, and insurances. Seko is in high demand as a special events DJ and owns an event marketing service. Seko has diverse background in business, counseling and education. He has been real estate agent, a school counselor, a teacher, and an Intensive In-Home Counselor. Seko is active with numerous Youth Mentorship programs and has a background in radio and television. Visit www.HappilyEverAfter.Be or call 757-248-3820 for more details.

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Sunday Schooled - The Riot Starter

The Riot Starter

T'was the night before News Years (Roman Calendar December 31st, 2008) and we just picked up Pops to take him to go to the Watch Night Service. Mums didn't feel good and refused to go with us stating "I'll be fine right here." as she gently patted the bed she laid in. When Pops (Rev. Dr. Samuel Varner) opened the door his pupils were dilated and he stood rocking back-and-forth trying to get his balance. His Glaucoma is kicking his tail, the surgery he recently had for his eyes seems to be in vain. The eye that didn't receive the surgery is now his "good" eye.

We walked out of the house, off the porch, and then made a wide circle towards the vehicle instead of walking directly to the truck. Instead of guiding him I let him find his way. It has to be depressing to loose your vision. He's facing the same thing his father faced.......Blindness. He shared with me a few days prior to Christmas how I'm fulfilling the same role he fulfilled for his father..... He became his father's eyes, I'm doing the same.....Reluctantly. I try as much as possible to allow Pops to accomplish anything he can with out treating him as a crippled man. As I fully want to guide him to the car as a normal person would move, he needs to be capable. He wants to be capable. He can get so cranky when he's helped to do things he can do for himself.
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'Sunday Schooled' is a collection of blog posts from Seko Varner's former blogs. This post was dated 01/01/2009 while Seko's father, Rev. Dr. Samuel Varner was alive. 
Original post:http://drivingmrdaddy.blogspot.com/2009/01/riot-starter.html 
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En route to the church Pops mentioned a friend of the family, Sarah Kinard, who is writing her thesis about her father and my Pops' Omega Psi Phi chapter brother John Kinard. John helped Pops cross into our Omega fold in 1958. Influenced by a man in his neighborhood Pops was originally interested in the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity but as one of the Alphas on campus showed an interest in Pops in a different way (he attempted to force a sexual advance upon my father. My father beat that Alpha up) Pops decided against Alpha Phi Alpha. Dad said "I was black-balled. Other Alphas told me I would never survive the process and would never become an Alpha. The Omegas knew that Pops was destined to walk in Purple and Gold and John Kinard opened the doorway. Dad said "I didn't have any clothes except for the clothes on my back. John fed me, gave me clothes, and helped me raise the money I needed to pledge into Omega Psi Phi." Years later they remained friends as John became the first curator of the Anacostia Museum in Washington D.C. John and his family were frequent hosts to my family when I was young and I fondly remember eating Monkey Meat, Shark Meat, Octopus, and other exotic delicacies.

John's daughter Sara interviewed my Pops and reminded him that John and Pops help start a student riot on Livingston College's campus. According to Pops, who then shared the story: An another future man of Omega Psi Phi - Jesse Jackson Sr. (of I am somebody fame) and some other students held some sit-in demonstrations in North Carolina and the "white" citizens of Livingston North Carolina wanted to avoid having a similar situation. These citizens had been donating great sums of money to the historically Black College Livingston, and also the beginnings of the Food Lion Corporation had been supporting the College. A delegate from the citizens contacted the school and sharing their concerns about a possible sit-in stating that if such a sit-in occurred in Livingston the citizens would remove their support and also could impact the funding received from Food Lion. The school's Chaplin contacted Pops and Mr. Kinard and encouraged them to act in the best interest of the school's funding. This Chaplin then drafted a letter written from the perspective of the students stating that they had no interest in holding a demonstration. Pops and John Kinard signed the letter with the implication that they authored the letter and the correspondence was published in the local newspaper calming the concerns of the "citizens". Pops then shared how the students gave he and John hell for their act of betrayal and then held a riot to "demonstrate" their anger on campus. (Photo of John Kinard) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Kinard
As Pop's story ended we drove up into the parking lot of New Life - Providence, the church that my wife and Kids having been visiting for over two years now. Their New Years Eve service had been heavily promoted in the church and included food and drinks prior to the service, a service, and food and drinks following the service. New Life is a mixed congregation and prides itself in being "Trans-ethnic" as it boasts membership consisting of people of many ethnicity's promoting that the body of Christ, and the Church accepts all people ethnically. This position of Trans-Ethnic initially turned me off, and now I could take it or leave it. Surprisingly this pastor, Pastor Dan Backens (photo to left) has often shared information I learned in my times frequenting Black studies groups such as the incorrect presentation of 3 Kings on the standard Christian Nativity scenes. Today as we walked in the sanctuary Pastor Dan surprised me and Pops by giving the Black History of the New Year's Eve (Watch Night) Service. I normally post to the e-group of the Imani Foundation each year a special historical note regarding going to church on New Years Eve. "The Watch Night Services in Black communities that we celebrate today can be traced back to gatherings on December31, 1862, also known as "Freedom's Eve." On that night, Blacks came together in churches and private homes all across the nation, anxiously awaiting news that the Emancipation Proclamation actually had become law.Then, at the stroke of midnight, it was January 1, 1863, and all slaves in the Confederate States were declared legally free. When the news was received, there were prayers, shouts and songs of joy as people fell to their knees and thanked God. Black folks have gathered in churches annually on New Year's Eve ever since, praising God for bringing us safely through another year. It's been nearly 140 years since that first Freedom's Eve and many of us were never taught the African-American history of Watch Night, but, tradition still brings us together at this time every year to celebrate "how we got over." Pastor Dan, an older white guy, almost read the above information word for word with a few changes in the presentation to make it appropriate and relevant. Pops and I looked at each other slightly amazed. (Photo of Paster Dan Backens)

Pops, who has been a minister for over 60 years left the service feeling refreshed and stated that he approved of Pastor Dan's approach to ministry and the service. He had visited the church once before this year when his eyesight was with him. What a difference a few days make. Three months ago he drove himself to this church, now we have to lead him from the truck. I give thanks to the Almighty for 2008. I've had a chance to spend a great deal of time with Pops and my life has been affected, my fatherhood has been affected, and my faith has deepened.

Be Improved...... Love, Seko
If you know anyone who is drowing in debt, or needs to invest in their future... I'm never too busy for your referrals. 757-404-3743.
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Seko Varner is from Positive Vibes Financial, a World Financial Group team of financial services agents. They specialize in debt reduction, investments, and insurances. Seko is in high demand as a special events DJ and owns an event marketing service. Seko has diverse background in business, counseling and education. He has been real estate agent, a school counselor, a teacher, and an Intensive In-Home Counselor. Seko is active with numerous Youth Mentorship programs and has a background in radio and television. Visit www.HappilyEverAfter.Be or call 757-248-3820 for more details.

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Sunday Schooled' - Civil Rights & Civil Rage

'Sunday Schooled' is a collection of blog posts from Seko Varner's former blogs. This post was dated 04/10/2008 while Seko's father, Rev. Dr. Samuel Varner was alive. 
Original post: http://drivingmrdaddy.blogspot.com/2008/04/civil-rights-civil-rage.html

Civil Rights & Civil Rage

"came to African with rifles and Bibles, heard the names and started changing the titles. So instead of Shaka Zulu I'm Nat Turner with a burner..."
.....Dead Prez - 2000
 
I'm sure most of my fellow Americans (U.S.A.) will not understand my parent's rage. My mother describes American-born Blacks and/or African-Americans as suffering from Post Traumatic Stress disorder when she share how Africans and African descendants who migrate to our country seem to fare better on a whole than native born Blacks or African-Americans on the whole. My parents have been the best example of not harboring hate towards people, and have never held their tongue when describing the life that America has given them. I'm walking the same road as they did as a parent; I'm attempting to raise my children, and other children I come into contact with, with a love for all and an appreciation for all creation. 
 
As I listen to Sean Hannity, Neal Bortz, and my old favorite Rush I've learned that America's rugged individualism will seem at odds with the communal approach to living that seems to be in the heart of all African civilizations and nations that have an African genetic make-up. Our communal living seems similar to socialism and communism. When we support Black Businesses it may seem like reverse racism. I understand why the ideas expressed in the Kwanzaa principles may seem anti-American to one who seems like an outsider to what the principles embrace.
 
While discussing why some many were upset with Dr. Jeremiah Wright's statements and worried about Obama's connection with Trinity United Church of Christ I saw the rage jump out of my parents. They felt personally attacked by the "Republicans" who were airing the concerns that I was able to express to them as an avid listener of conservative radio. My dad pounded on the table shouting "Do you know what white folks have done to me ?"......."Yes" I answered. We have experienced America's devilish and Godly nature. The colored Americans of my great-great grandparents, great grandparents, grandparents, and parents time have all looked at America and said "Forgive them God, for they know not what they do." These generations loved America as Yeshua (Jesus) loved the world. Yeshua loved the world enough to be radical and tear stuff up in the temples and also to allow those temple folk to inflict terrorist acts upon him while he prayed for the Almighty to change their hearts. As we spoke, and allowed them to vent their anger, an understanding of the dual feelings we have for our country surfaced. We love America and hate America simultaneously at times. We love our country but don't truly trust our government. We've said "Damn America" and would pray for America in our next breath.
 
Seeing the media demonize Dr. Wright, a U.C.C. pastor, because he said what many of "African in America" have said. Americans in their zeal to better America are now attacking anything that seems to radical. My parents generation remained quiet and full of hope for America when America showed progress and regress in regards to Blacks. This generation is now being demonized for feelings that are natural. Our country legalized and allowed terrorist acts to occur to it's primary non-European descended citizens. Our country paid others to commit acts of war to our enemies. It's always been interesting to me how we seem to have ongoing disputes with countries and individuals that were former employees of America such as Ben Laden and Castro.
 
I've heard hosts and callers of my favorite shows state that while Dr. Wright may have a little truth in his statements his statements seem to ignore the great strides our country have made towards ensuring civil rights to it's citizens. I stated to my parents that we are going to seem angered and "preaching hate" unless we constantly drive home the point that America has changed, while we continue to point out it's past and present flaws. The conversation ended with an uneasy air as both parents wrung their hands containing the anger towards the past sins of America upon it's citizens. This generation was never given a chance to heal from the wounds that America inflicted upon them. Today their attempts to heal these wounds seem Anti-American. They can't win for loosing. 
 
It's funny how America and Christianity have had similar effects upon Africans and Indians. Both have been blessings and curses. Via America a group of Africans/Indians have been able to be a part of the best Nation in our current world, through America some of the greatest acts of evil have affected these same African/Indian people. Via Christianity our people have been in contact with the creator through Yeshua, at the hands of Christians our African/Indian people have died, lost land, and been enslaved. Both America and Christianity were a the core of this issue that the country faced with Dr. Wright's statements.
 
As Christians and as Americans my parents have faced the difficulties and opportunities with a fortitude I admire. When I consider what people who considered themselves to be Christians have done to others and when I consider what Americans have done to others I've often wondered why I am so proud to called a Christian and an American. I must say it's because of the models I've had with my parents. Civil Rights & Civil Rage now seem to be the Christian and American way.
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Seko Varner is from Positive Vibes Financial, a World Financial Group team of financial services agents. They specialize in debt reduction, investments, and insurances. Seko is in high demand as a special events DJ and owns an event marketing service. Seko has diverse background in business, counseling and education. He has been real estate agent, a school counselor, a teacher, and an Intensive In-Home Counselor. Seko is active with numerous Youth Mentorship programs and has a background in radio and television. Visit www.HappilyEverAfter.Be or call 757-248-3820 for more details.

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Your ol' pal bellyfat talking - Chris Otto

Hey there,
This is your ol' pal bellyfat talking.
Now I know that might sound a bit weird.... And I've never contacted you by email before. But this is an emergency and I was worried enough to learn how to type.

We sure had a great time this summer didn't we? Lots of good times, great food, and plain ol' sitting around eating and drinking too much.

Here's the deal. I'm considering sticking around for another year or so if you don't mind. You don't mind do you? However you might need to get a bigger pair of pants or dress size to accommodate my expansion down here.

But do me a favor, avoid that metabolic resistance training you were thinking of doing.

Please just hear me out and don't do anything crazy...

The last time you tried that stuff I nearly had to evacuate the premises. It got so hot down here I was like the wicked witch of the west "I'm melting, I'm melting!" I think they heard me all the way back in Oz.

Instead, stick to that slow, boring, useless cardio stuff.Yeah, I may get a little hot down here and break a mild sweat, and the ol' brain up there thinks it's getting in a real "burner," but it's never enough to melt ME outta here.

Look, we've been friends for such a long time. We're used to each other. Hell, we're GREAT together! How many times have your friends poked me with an index finger and said "Hey chubbs!"? You know you giggled like the pillsbury doughboy! And it wasn't just an act to save your feelings.

You and me -- we're Pleasantly Plump! I give you your shape. I keep you warm on those cold winter nights. I jiggle when you run, and you know that gives you extra momentum. It's a scientific fact. Trust me, I understand these things.

You can't imagine your life without me. I know you tried some crazy diet stuff before, but thank my twinkies it didn't work. And I forgive you for trying to evict me.

Well it sure was good catching up with you. I'm sure we'll be in touch more often, as long as you stay away from that metabolic resistance training stuff that's guaranteed to put me out on the street...

Especially that new 21-Day Xtreme Fat Loss Challenge that everyone is raving about.

Sounds Hot. Too Hot.

Me no likey Xtreme Fat Loss workouts.

Brings tears to my eyes whenever I even hear a mere whisper about that 21-day challenge and all the belly fat that's burned. Hell, it's fried more fat than the cook at your local Waffle House joint.

So again, if you want to keep me, your dear old belly fat, around for another year and another summer, don't register for the 21-Day Xtreme Fat Loss Challenge. - otherwise, its all over friend, and you can kiss me goodbye. Gosh I hate goodbyes. **sad face**

Belly fat says do not register for this 21-Day program.

Your pal and faithful spare tire,

Belly fat, your BF-BFF
(Belly Fat Best Friend Forever)

PS - Seriously, don't even think about registering for the 21-Day Xtreme Fat Loss Challenge.

...unless you want to see me, Thunder Thighs, Jigg Lee, Man Boobs, Arm Fat, and Luv Handles pack our bags and hit the road jack.

It will be a teary eyed fair well, and you'd be stuck with a tight, toned, midsection, gorgeous glutes, toned arms, and do you know how much attention you would get from the opposite sex?

Who the heck needs it, I say.

But if YOU do, you can get it here with the 21-Day
Xtreme Fat Loss Challenge.

Down right crazy if you ask me.

PPS - Don't do what this guy and gal did.

They used Metabolic Resistance Training (or what I like to call Flash Point Training) to kick their belly fat to the curb. Now please go get some more of that good ol' comfort food like meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and some really cheesy Mac N' Cheese. "mmmmmm nom-nom-nom-nom...

Register for the 21-Day Xtreme Fat Loss Challenge right here:

21-Day Xtreme Fat Loss Challenge
-----


Chris Otto, NSCA-CPT

757-639-6133
www.bodyrescyou.com

PS -- If you liked today's comedic email, please fwd this on to any of your friends, family, co-workers, or anyone you feel would enjoy it.
Body RescYou, 5353 Commons Court, Virginia Beach VA, 23462© 2012 All rights reserved.
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Let's be improved ! Seko Varner is from Positive Vibes Financial, a World Financial Group team of financial services agents. This team began in 2010 and is coached by WFG's Team Unstoppable. Seko also has ownership in and works with Positive Vibes DJs and the event marketing service Happily Ever After.Be.

Seko has a background in counseling and special education. He was employed for 14 years with Portsmouth City Public Schools (Virginia) as a counselor and as a teacher. Seko has also worked as an Intensive In-Home Counselor for over 10 years. In addition to his business ventures Seko is active with numerous Youth Mentorship programs and has a background in radio and television media. Visit html://www.HappilyEverAfter.Be for more details.

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Beyonce's 'God Bless the U.S.A.' (9/11/2001 tribute)

Beyonce Knowles performs God Bless the U.S.A.
In memory of our ancestors who were tragically carried to Glory on 09/11/2001. God Bless The USA - Ashee, Ashee, Ashee.

Check the video !
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESHHJfNj7Cg

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Let's be improved ! Seko Varner is from Positive Vibes Financial, a World Financial Group team of financial services agents. This team began in 2010 and is coached by WFG's Team Unstoppable. Seko also has ownership in and works with Positive Vibes DJs and the event marketing service Happily Ever After.Be. Seko has a background in counseling and special education. He was employed for 14 years with Portsmouth City Public Schools (Virginia) as a counselor and as a teacher. Seko has also worked as an Intensive In-Home Counselor for over 10 years. In addition to his business ventures Seko is active with numerous Youth Mentorship programs and has a background in radio and television media. Visit html://www.HappilyEverAfter.Be or call 757-248-3820 for more details.

Monday, September 3, 2012

Sunday Schooled - A Song For Mama

Originally posted on http://showthemtheworld.blogspot.com on 4/22/2011. The original post is located http://www.showthemtheworld.blogspot.com/2011/04/song-for-mama.html . The 'Sunday Schooled" posts are posts from Seko's former blogs. This posts is re-posted to celebrate Seko's mother's 70th birthday celebration on 9/1/2012. At this celebration a video montage spotlighting her life was showcased: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApJmyajMl0Q

From 4/22/2011:
Recently my children and I surprised their mother by creating a song, and subsequently creating a video about their Mama. Using the crazy group name 'Grandpa Crunk’ we’ve released the song “I Love My Mama” online on I-Tunes and released the video on YouTube. The song is a combination of rap verses by my children and a chorus sung by my friend Zoe Wilks. The process of writing the song, creating the music, practicing the song, recording the song, writing the storyline for the video, and shooting the video was a great joy. I had a chance to force my children to focus their creative juices on celebrating their mother. One of the lines of the song is “When I’m in doubt you tell me I can do, when I look at you (mother) I kinda’ see God too.” I’ve often told my children that in addition to being a word referring to the Supreme being, GOD can also refer to Good Orderly Direction. Later my children and I re-released the song using the group name DIVAGirl as my lil' girl has decided she wants to become a Disney star.



Many of the African-centered scholars and lecturers that I used to follow in the 1980s through the early 2000s used to urge blacks to guide their children in business ventures early on the provide them with a business background which will result in Blacks becoming and acting in a more business-like manner. The rationale at that time was to create ‘Black Owned’ businesses to employ our children to reduce the influence of the streets on our children and to eradicate the experience of poverty from the Black experience. These lecturers also described using a process of meeting with the elders in our communities to learn the stories of our people forcing America to become a better place. Those stories from the elders and being involved in business activities, according to these scholars, would give our children a launching path towards success. My parents heeded their call to action and involved our family in the recordings of oral history from elders in the community during my youth in New York and Ohio.

My choice to guide my children in this ‘Song for Mama’ adventure was done to celebrate their mother, to teach them about aspects of the business of the music industry, and to lead them through the process of making a commercially viable good that they might profit from . One of the things I didn’t expect were the discussions about the lyrics which centered on the Good Orderly Direction towards improvement that children should learn from their mothers. My children were emphatic in the inclusion of Aunties, Grandmothers, Church mothers, and teachers in their song as these women also taught Good Orderly Direction.

11/21/2011 - We began our 2011 Spring break trip by dropping off my widowed mother (Mum) at her family’s home in Atlanta Georgia. As we traveled from Hampton Roads to Georgia my Mum and I spoke to keep me awake at the wheel. Her stories included the struggles her mother while she was a child growing up in Georgia in the early 1940s through late 1960s. En-route to Atlanta I realized that we would be in proximity of Decatur where Mum attended and graduated from theological school in 1966. She attended Columbia and according to my father, who became our ancestor in September 2009, Mum was the first Black to graduate from Columbia Theological. As a side trip I decided to visit Columbia’s campus. Mum stated years ago that she never intended to step foot on the campus again after she graduated. Since 40-some years have passed I thought it might be fun to do an impromptu campus tour to obtain some photos of Mum on her ol’ stomping grounds.
On 11/13/2007 Dad needed to go to the conference office to teach a class for the newest ministers in the Southern Conference of the United Church of Christ. While driving those sleepy country Suffolk Virginia roads dad began drifting into stories of Mama. Pops met mom as he returned from ministering in Scotland. A minister supervising him shared to pops "when you return to the states and go to Atlanta I want you to meet a friend of mine who is in the administration at Columbia (Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur Georgia). They took in their first female Negro student and they need help."
One of Mom's Ministers and mentors was the first Negro male to attend the school a few years prior. He did not graduate from the school and only was able to take a few classes. Pops then shared how Mom was that female “Negro graduate” and she caught hell from the other students studying to be ministers. This administrator and the administration of the school were courageous..... they courted this negro after her Presbyterian church-college, Agnes Scott College, refused to take her (since they sent their negro-money to Stillman College to help their Negro Presbyterians). Pops shared how mama would sometimes be the only student in her classes as others peers would drop the course as soon as they saw her. By providing support to this hard-headed girl catching death threats and harassment from her 'Christian' peers Dad fell in love. He was there as my grandmother lost jobs when they found out mom was marching in the civil rights marches and was going to their school. Mom took the pain, cried her tears, passed the tests, and graduated. Mom shared with me that she caught Hell from the 'Christian' professors and her 'Christian' peers because she was both a woman and Black. She shared how the only outright support came from the ladies who were attending the college as they were facing the evils of sexism. Some of the professors hated the fact that women were being trained in the ministry. Mom was leery of the women, but she accepted their support.

A female "white-peer" who supported Mom painted a masterpiece full of color with many faces looking forward. Those eyes were said to be Mom's classmates as her female peer explained to her. Interestingly enough Mom's classmate painted the faces of the evil eye folks brown. I remember seeing this painting hanging in the basement-closet of our home in New York. I always wondered why a painting would be hanging in a closet. I remember seeing this painting in our garage while living in Columbus, Ohio. I always wondered why Mom would look at this work of art and stiffen her bottom lip with tears welling in her sleep deprived eyes. I remember getting a ‘whupping’ for something I did and shouldn’t have done and mom catching a glimpse of those brightly-wicked eyes. She fell to her knees and sobbed. Then I didn't care, my beating ceased. Mom hated that painting and gave it to an aunt who hung in prominently in her college dormitory. Mama's pain, Aunties' propeller. I am thankful for those eyes and the experience it provided. Mom made history and opened doors for our people. Mom became the first Black and the first Black Woman to graduate from Columbia Theological Seminary...Daddy fell in love. Thank the creator.
Today we slowly walked around the college and allowed Mum to reminisce about her classes and the times she spent as a grad student on the campus. A bulk of her time on campus was spent solely in the classes. She left campus as soon as her classes were over as she didn’t feel brave enough to try to force herself into the school’s social life, and also felt anger towards her classmates and the school staff for the behaviors they exhibited towards her. Mom looked radiant and discussed painful memories in a very triumphant manner. Columbia was a great college who took a difficult stand against racism and sexism in the late 1960s. She shared the triumph with the administration who courted her attendance, supported her stay by finding a support for her who ultimately became her husband of over 45 years, and aided to find financial support to aid her way. She also felt humbled that she was a great part of the history of the school.

A young white female student stopped and asked if she could help us by taking a photo of the entire family. As she raised my camera to her eyes my wife noted Mum’s history. The student stopped and thanked Mum for being for her bravery and heroism. She then stopped all of the students who walked by and shared the story making Mum a Rock Star Alumnae. Mum reveled in the reverence and smiled in a deep manner that has been fairly absent since my father’s death. My children danced and smiled for the photos and shared how their grandmother was like Rosa Parks and Ruby Bridges for aiding America to move in ‘Good Orderly Direction’ towards improvement.

Unexpectedly I realized that my father and those African centered lecturers were right; Every Black child should know of and revel in their family’s history of improvement. Every Black child should be involved in the creation of commercially viable and valuable products.


As the photos continued my Lil’ girl began humming the tune to her song “I Love My Mama” as she and her brother hugged their grandmother, my Mama. I extend those hugs and the song to all of the mothers who have been an intricate player in the improvement of America, and the improvement of Blacks. To you mothers we say Thank you. To you mothers we sing “I Love My Mama”! This song is for you. Be Improved Ya’ll !

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Let's be improved ! Seko Varner is from Positive Vibes Financial, a World Financial Group team of financial services agents. This team began in 2010 and is coached by WFG's Team Unstoppable. Seko also has ownership in and works with Positive Vibes DJs and the event marketing service Happily Ever After.Be. Seko has a background in counseling and special education. 

He was employed for 14 years with Portsmouth City Public Schools (Virginia) as a counselor and as a teacher. Seko has also worked as an Intensive In-Home Counselor for over 10 years. In addition to his business ventures Seko is active with numerous Youth Mentorship programs and has a background in radio and television media. Visit http://www.HappilyEverAfter.Be for more details.