Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from Monroe Media!

Serious.

Serious. So Serious. Why so serious?
You are half way delirious.
Are you still not getting us?
Are you still not hearing us?
God is addressing this...
It's not about what you do,
It's not about what you say,
It's about loving and living... God's way.

Being able to do all things through Christ should mean that we act, care, and love like He did.
Jesus would want us to show how great God is... by just being.
Being alive.
Being the something for someone else.
Being something more than something for yourself.

As I write these words, all I can hear is the still small voice telling me to take a deep breath
and stop living like it's the end of the world, but start living like you will never fade away.
"It's not the end of the world, but just another day"

We are standing, floating, and flying on Grace.
Why so serious?

God is smiling.

-MkM.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Beacons of Light

I remember close to a decade ago, ever so vividly, my grandmother’s 80^th birthday party where she gave an unforgettable speech.  There was cake, all of family was there, we dined at an elegant country club dining room overlooking a golf course, the food was top-shelf, there were cameras and as I recall many flashes of light aka pictures, it truly was a joyous occasion.  Everyone talked, told stories of how my grandmother had influenced their life.  It was just an all around wonderful event.  Lastly, my grandmother spoke, and though I don’t remember all of her speech or any of anyone else’s speech to be honest – I do vividly remember some of her words.  She said, “All of my life I tried to be a beacon of light for everyone here to see, just like a lighthouse off the coast for ships see.” 

            These words ever embedded into my heart, and a decade later have somehow survived and re-surfaced.  As I look at myself and closest of friends, I now see that is our turn to truly stand tall as beacons of light for everyone to see.  Although it may just sound like a metaphor, it will require self-control and encouragement.  Because you see, there must be beacons of light off the coast of shores or ships might stray course and crash into land.  I challenge everyone to be a beacon of light in someway or another.  Remember that people are always watching (some call that people-watching) and listening; thus, what they hear you say and see in you can and will influence them.  Therefore, let us all shine brightly for the world to see as beacons of light. 

Peace Always

Slash at the Dream Center

Who says rock stars don't put family first? Who would say that a major rock icon doesn't have time to help someone else besides himself?  Well, do I have a story for you!  This past Sunday, October 25, 2009, I had the privilege spending the day with one rock star who not only takes time to help others, but has the heart to take action where there is a need.

A good friend of mine, Tommy Hollenstein (who Monroe Media will be doing a full story on in the near future), has teamed up with the Dream Center to bring a few kids and musicians the honor of taking lessons from some of music's greatest performers.

Just so you know, the Dream Center is an outreach ministry that shelters and feeds homeless kids, adults, and families throughout the greater Los Angeles area.  They also offer full church services at the Angeles Temple on Thursday nights at 7 p.m. and on Sunday mornings at 9 and 11 a.m. with full on concert style worship.  For more information on these amazing ministries click on the links below the photographs.

The Dream Center

Angeles Temple

The first guest that came to the Dream Center to teach and inspire was none other than lead guitarist, SLASH.  Slash is most predominately known for playing in the band, Guns and Roses, and is currently still involved with the band, Velvet Revolver.

Tyler Logan (Press Play, I'm OK You're OK), Joel Bodker (Press Play), Tommy Hollenstein, & myself were the core group of guys in charge of making this whole event happen.  Slash arrived at the Dream Center's very own Dream Records Studios (Universal) Sunday afternoon at the Dream Center with his wife, his father, and his children.

Having Slash jam with the kids was absolutely amazing. He truly inspired me to keep on learning and believing to do even more and more greater things on my guitar.  It was such a blessing.  However, I believe that there was an even greater blessing taking place while we were in that studio room.  Along with a few of the students testimonies, I was able to give Slash my testimony, and explain to him why I feel the way I do about Jesus and who God has called me to be.  It was such an awesome experience.  I believe that EVERYone that was in that room was being blessed, myself included!!

After the jam session and learning experience, Slash personally autographed everyone a photograph, and signed one of my very own guitars!! I was SO excited about this!!

We gave Slash a quick tour of the rest of the Dream Center, and he was amazed.  Matter of fact, his wife could not believe that the Dream Center has over 700 people that are being completely taken care of (food, shelter, jobs, etc..).  The last thing he told me was, "Michael, it was a pleasure meeting you.  I am sure I will see you again, let's do this again soon."

I just want to say PRAISE GOD for getting to be a part of such an awesome day!!  You will have to stay tuned to Monroe Media for the next few guests that will be gracing the Dream Center, helping make the world just a little bit of a better place to be.

AND

Thank you to Slash & his family for making this such an amazing day! God bless you all!!!

BLESSINGS & LOVE

Michael Monroe, Founder/CEO

New Logo

Today is another beautiful day in sunny southern California.  I am honestly thanking God right now on having such an amazing place to call home.  The past few days I have been working on a new logo/symbol that not only reflects who we are as a company, but truly sheds light on where our foundation is built and what we stand for. 

So without any further anticipation, I give you the new logo for Monroe Media:

We are still in the process of building our actual website, and have many many interesting things that are just around the corner from taking place.  We appreciate your patience with our growth, and hope that God will touch your life through this outlet of positive media.

I leave you with yet a few more wisdom nuggets:

God's plan for our lives is to prosper, to be successful.  He wants ALL of His children to flourish in the blessings that He has promised.  Our prosperity is VERY important to God; matter of fact, it is critical!

3 John 1:2 says, "Above all else, I pray that you may prosper and be in health even as your soul prospers."

John 10:10 says, "The thief has come to kill, steal, and destroy but I have come that they may have life and life more abundantly."

Deuteronomy 8:18 says, "But remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms His covenant, which He swore to your forefathers, as it is today."

Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord plans to prosper you not to harm you, plans to give you a hope AND a future."

So let TRUST be the "currency" of your life, and put ALL your trust in Jesus.  We can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens us. (Phil. 4:13).  I pray that blessing and prosperity flood your life.  I pray that you may know Jesus on a personal level.  God is ready for His children to rise up and be GREAT in this time of what the world would call a recession.

From Monroe Media to you, God bless you ALL!!!

Blessings & Love,

Michael Monroe

Founder/CEO

We all. . .

It seems that the further we delve into ourselves, the deeper we go into an awakening.
The more we search for answers, the brighter the glare right in front of our face.
We all have a longing for love. . .
     a place to fit in and desire to succeed.
though there are language and communication barriers, people are still connected in more ways,
     and in stronger ways than we realize.
God has given us all a choice. . . and choices
     to be what we dream of being,
     to follow or to lead
     to act or to observe and all are good options,
but what if out heart's desires can come true?
what if the big dreams that seem unrealistic become our reality. . . ?

What do you want?

How much would you give up if you could have everything?

You see, we are supposed to have an abundant life, but it is so easy to get distracted,
so easy to just count our thoughts of our dreams as useless fantasy.
     Meaningless toil.
It we can all just get passed ourselves, we can be.
We can be what we all searched for and we were so sure of before the world made us grow up.
     We are not that busy.
Give up our self and think about the bigger picture here.
We are all in this together. We all go through the valleys, and have at some point seen from the top,
but what do we know?
There is a broader plan brewing and in effect.

     God loves you.

He wants the best for you., We just have to all learn to trust again.
We have all been failed by everything else and even ourselves.
Why not give God a chance to do miracles in your life?
Let Him speak to your big dreams again.
Let's pick up the pieces from these disasters and disappointments and believe in something real : love. . .   
     because God is love.

-MkM.

Moving On

Growing up and moving on are the inevitable's of life.
Things change, people move, Times change, people die.
Life is formed and Life is changed; The rains bring new
Life to the Old and New throughout history and into the blue.

You cannot go back to the past. 
You cannot relive the past.
You can move on.
You can move forward.

Peace Always

Have a Rockin' Thursday

No matter if your in Washington D.C.,
Or if your in San Francisco;
No matter if your New York,
Or if your in Los Angles;


Have a Rockin' Thursday.

A couple of weeks ago, a good friend called me to wish me a "rockin' Thursday,"  I didn't even know what a "rockin' Thursday" was/is.  So I said, "Thanks man you too."  I thought about it though, it just another way of saying have a good day out there.  Whether you like to listen to music throughout your day or just smile at people, just enjoy your day.  I felt good about my new "Rockin' Thursday".  Now that it was rockin' I could be myself and just enjoy the day that is this day brings.

Have a Rockin' Thursday out there today wherever you are!

PEACE ALWAYS

"Sunrise in Heaven"

Benjamin David Temple

"Peace Always"

New Kicks.

Shoes support the souls of our feet everyday, everywhere we go. They are essential for getting around. Everyone needs a good pair of shoes. Sometimes our shoes get old and worn out. It is easier to break our stride or slip and fall when our shoes aren't working properly. We are vulnerable.

It's time for some new kicks.


This path called life gets complicated. There are things that will always be a distraction or temptation or desire that cause us to drift from our focuses. But we must stand our ground. Keep focused. Because successes are nothing without pain and sacrifice. We all fall short, we all get stuck on the same dead-beat path. And sometimes we just have to say "enough." Get some new kicks and start a new way. The right way. Walk out of the old and step into the new.




Check out TOMS Shoes.com: One for One.
For every pair of shoe that a person buys, one pair will be bought for someone in need.
tomsshoes.com


God bless. 

Be Adventurous When Possible

Be not a doubter.  Do good things without hesitation; react on first instinct.

Be Adventurous when possible; for you know not when an opportunity may come again.

Precede with wisdom and an adventurous spirit.  Leave not curiosity as your ghost.

Conquering fear with Freedom, leaving Victory in your palm.

A Message From Michael:

First of all, I would like to thank Ben Temple for keeping things running on a day to day basis.  He is a true blessing for Monroe Media, and we would not be the same with out him.  Also, I wanted to let everyone know that we will be expanding soon. 

Monroe Media is in the process of building our actual web site; which will be a full-on web source for news, video, music, blogs, and many other various forms of media and entertainment.  We just want to serve you.  We want to keep you informed of all the good that is going on around the world; starting right here in Los Angeles, CA. 

On a side note, Monroe Media supports local business. 

Umami Burger just opened up there new location @ 4655 Hollywood Blvd.  Umami means "the fifth taste."  The food is absolutely amazing! This is a true fine-dinning experience; not your average high-end burger joint.  They have a wide selection of Japanese import beers and a hand-full of various wines, that perfectly pair with their exquisite flavors of food.  Umami Hollywood opens today @ 7 pm. 

http://umamiburger.com/

So again I say, "Stay Tuned!" because faith without works is dead, and I believe that Monroe Media is going to be an essential part of your entertainment & media needs.  I leave you a wisdom nugget for today:

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."  Hebrews 11:1

Blessings & Love,

Michael Monroe, CEO

Speak Outside this Box.

Speak Outside this Box.
Understanding rhythm is nothing learned overnight
It’s something developed and tweaked just right
It’s something that everyone can join in and clap
It’s something danced on, twirled around, or tapped.
IT IS SOMETHING.
IT is SOMEthing.
It is something.
Something heard, something seen, something moved, something sang, something spoken,
Something so structured it seems like the streets:   Utter Chaos.
Utter these words that sting like a bee
Understand this rhythm started with a small voice that gradually gained ground
Understand that life is more than this sentence and more than this underground sound
So speak into the distance
Speak into this heart.
Come join in this dance… come along, I’ll start.
Rhythm like a heartbeat in the night
Words like a river that flows
Melody like a wind that continues to blow
Music from an angel in bare, clear sight
From truth come the notes that fill the page
    Erasing all the rage
Breaking the lock and the cage
    Rearranging the storm and the stage
Making a better way
To make music with words, rhythm as you will, to embrace what is simply called today as:

love.  

God is love.

-MkM.

Something In the City

Finally,
The obvious common connecting factor we can all share,
One thing all ethnicity's of this great land can share,
Unity in Los Angeles can exist,
We can all coexist in peace under the beatiful sun and wonderful Tempertures that this fall brings to our city;

Let us rejoice in this Joyious occasion,
And relish our current existing feelings,
The ocean smells of fierce tranquility seas,
And the morning coolness the valley brings .


Peace Always

CCD - An International Phenomenon

Why do bees have sticky hair?

Because they use a comb-over.

CCD – is a term used to refer to the collapse, or dissapperance rather, of honey bees.

CCD = Colony Collapse Disorder

Wikipedia says this about this about the curious disappearance of bees, “The cause or causes of the syndrome are not yet fully understood, although many authorities attribute the problem to biotic factors such as Varroa mites and insect diseases (i.e., pathogens[7] including Nosema apis and Israel acute paralysis virus).[8][9] Other proposed causes include environmental change-related stresses,[10] malnutrition and pesticides (e.g. neonicotinoids such as imidacloprid), and migratory beekeeping. More speculative possibilities have included both cell phone radiation and genetically modified (GM) crops with pest control characteristics,[11][12] though experts say no evidence exists for either assertion.”

When this was first brought to my attention in 2006 I was immediately concerned.  I continued my life and still do to some degree as if it no big deal even though it is a huge deal.  While most people focused their attention on the war in Iraq, or global warming in 2006(both very important issues of which I DO care about):  I focused my attention on the bees.   Oh, the buzzing little bees.  For longest time while I was in Arkansas I saw no affect of this so-called CCD.  Since my travels to brought me to California I have observed countless cases of CCD.  Often I see these honey bees buzzing in disorientation.  Sometimes they are so confused they cannot even fly.  Numerous honeybees do I find dead on the ground dead.  My heart goes out to them knowing that this cannot be their destiny.

Bees bring harmony and honey to world. 

My message today is simple:  bees are beautiful creations of God – and God loves the bees.  Most ALL OF THE TIME, bees are not out to bite you.  They are out just buzzing around trying to find nectar or accomplish whatever task they are on.  Please do not swat them, kill them for any reason whatsoever.  By killing even a bee you are not helping the cause.  Now if you find yourself or children or clients or customers in danger of a bee hive – again do NOT buy raid or hire pest control; rather, call a bee expert who can safely remove the hive.  For those of you who are allergic to bees and react negative to them remember this – THEY ARE NOT OUT TO BITE YOU I ASSURE YOU!  Just be normal and most likely the bee will not bite you.  However, if you swat (aka attack first) you are more likely to be bitten had you just ignored the bee.  
What do you call a bee that can never make up its mind?

A may-bee.

For more information about CCD, check out the link to wikipedia cited below.

"Colony collapse disorder." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. 22 Sep 2009, 17:39 UTC. 22 Sep 2009 <http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Colony_collapse_disorder&oldid=315546372>.

Today is a New Day

Today is a new day.  I encourage everyone of you to live in the now, not the past.  Try complimenting someone you normally would not - you might just make their day!

Always, be yourself, no matter what others think.  For this was the reason you were created - to be yourself.

I got to run so, as always:

Stay Cool
Live Cool
Be Cool                    

Peace

Keep on Keepin' On

Dictionary.com, defines perseverance as:  steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., esp. in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.

Just remember that we have to always keep on keepin' on.  When in trouble or doubt, we must keep our minds on our focus, our passions, and our dreams.  For we all go through trials and tribulations, make no mistake about it, we our all tried.  The success stories come from those who continue to follow their heart, their personal dreams.  Patience and Perseverance are like two brothers, just not identical twins.  They need each other to make it.  For by oneself one brother might become stagnet or give up; yet, together they are strong and coincide.  You have to give things time sometimes, you also have to persist.  An ole' Japanese proverb says fall seven times get up eight.  You got to get up each time and continue to run your race if you want your dream - Peace

Keep on Keepin' On

"perseverance." Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Random House, Inc. 28 Sep. 2009. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/perseverance>

28 Sep. 2009

<www.quotegarden.com/perseverance.html>

Listen in order to be Heard

Some people say that God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason.

No big deal at first glance at a human beings, humans have two ears and one mouth. This is what we look like in the mirror, this is merely what we are. Some spiders have multiple eyes, like 8 for example. Humans have multiple ears, like two - big whoop. However, if one was to examine this statement in detail one might wonder why do we have two ears and one mouth. My favorite type of question- the reversal. Wait for it...wait for it... Wait a minute, Why don't we have two mouths and one ear? I can think of plenty of times two mouths would have served me well at the dinner table. Do you realize the multi-tasking potential one could acomplish we two mouths?

In reality we have two ears and one mouth for a very good reason, it keeps us out of double trouble. Focus on why we have two ears - besides the obvious reason of sphereical hearing. Why 2? We need to be good listners first, before we can rule, or advise, or help. We must listen to the needs and wants of others before we can help them. Time after time we want to rush in and just blab away, telling our opionions and ideas without finding out the needs, wants, or cares of the problem. We must first begin to listen first and then speak. After all, we do have two ears and one mouth. I challenge you to try listening to someone today more than you usually do. Hopefully, you might learn something just by listening!
***We must Listen in order to be Heard***

"...Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak..."
James 1:19
The Bible
GOD

Positive Outlook

One of the definitions of the word "positive" as defined by Merriam-Webster is:  having a good effect; marked by optimism.

Our team at Monroe Media defines the word "positive" not by defintion, but rather as a way of life.  For there are always ways to leave your mark on society to benefit the world in a positive way.  You just got to keep your eyes open!

On the contrary, an antonym of positive is negative.  The age old debate:  pessimist vs. optimist.  Is the glass half empty or half full?  What are you?  I suppose some better questions might be: how happy are you if your a pessimist, or how far skewed is your reality if your an optimist?  Life throws bad apples at everyone, curve-balls and screwballs, situations that just make you want to break down and scream why me.  Why am I having to deal with this now?  If your like me, you get heavy dose of these bad apple situations everyday.  But here is a reality.  In most all cases, you will have to choose one side or the other.  In our minds and hearts, we must choose to take away something positive or negative from any given situation or circumstance.  I cannot sway your minds and hearts in the decisions you make from day to day, but I can tell you some stories and lend you this advice.  If you are constantly seeing the bad, absorbing the negative from situations, walking away angry, it will stress your body and mind possibly leading to a unhappy life.  This is not good.

A wise boss once told me he learned more from someone who he absolutely despised working for rather than someone he loved working for.  I said, "What!".  He disagreed constantly with this person, and could not come to terms with this person's view.  He then went on to tell me, "you see, I learned exactly what I didn't want to be from this person."  This man was best boss I have ever had.  You see, he learned from something that was rather unpleasant in his life and then converted the negative into a positive.

This past summer, I would have to stand under the sun on a black asphalt for a period of time - typically around 2 hours.  It was rather unpleasant.  I sweated.  I was too tall to stand underneath the umbrella stand provided.  I remember being absolutely miserable sometimes.  I told myself, well, if I am going to be out here in sun I might as well get a tan.  So I would roll up sleeves and just consider it free tanning salon.  I told my friend this story, he chuckled and said, "that's a rather optimistic approach, most people would have probably complained about having to stand outside in the heat for that long."

But you see, in most all cases, you will have the choice to take away the negative or the positive.  All I'm saying, is look for the positive out there.  It's probably there somewhere hidden behind all the negative, and if you find it, it might just bring you a nice tan.

"positive."  Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. 2009
Merriam-Webster Online. 23 September 2009
[http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/positive]

New Seasons

Fall is here!!! (unless your in the southern hemisphere of course) Thats right, fall came into affect about 5:18 eastern time on Septemeber 22, 2009.   With every new season comes changes in the atmosphere of the world and the atmosphere of which we live our personal lives. Let this fall be a season of thanksgiving and continual praise of our Father who is so gracious. May it also be a season of blessings :)

On the brink of fall,
I hear churchbells a ringing,
I see frisbies and lots of footballs,
And in my head, Gods a singing;
He said, son if you listen to me,  I will tell you where to go.  

May God bless you all this fall!

It's me, Schmee

The joy of the Lord is my strength!

I will rejoice in the Lord, all the time, for He is my King.  Rejoice!  Rejoice that God is the same today as He was before and always will be!  Rejoice!  Let us be thankful for everything - our sight, all of our phalanges, our teeth, our super-high tech immune system, our minds, our creativity, our vocal cords, (infinite list, you think of what YOU have that you can be thankful for and tell HIM!) - let us be thankful for everything we can do in Christ Jesus!  For if He hath given us breath, then He hath given us purpose in life, and that is worth praise as well.  We must recognize and hone in on our purpose and fulfill it.

THE THIEF

You see, I am compulsive about three things.  My I-phone, My keys, and My wallet.  If at any point I do not know where these things are I begin to loose it.  And by losing it, I mean losing my temper, my control, my sanity - I become somewhat frantic until the rescue mission is complete.  A friend forgot to lock my car tonight as we were out in the city of Angels, upon return my wallet was missing.  I pondered if I had left it at home, but knew that I didn't, because I specifically remembered to bring my license with me since I was driving.  We drove down the road and made a pit stop where my friend exited the car for about fifteen minutes.  During which, I paced, honked, screamed, prayed, paced, thought about how I was going to have to replace every card, driver's license, fight identity theft and so much more.  I was in turmoil and had fully accepted that my wallet was surely stolen.  Amongst my turmoil, I weighed the worst case scenarios.  The worst case scenario was actually the best case.  Even if the thief had spent all my money on all my cards, and stolen my identity and pretending to be me or whatever identity thiefs do; this thief could not take my soul, this thief could not take my spirit, this thief could not take my salvation in Christ Jesus, this thief could not take my joy, oh my joy, this thief could not take my kindness and gentleness unto others, this thief could not take my peace, this thief could not take my love, this thief could not take me.  - Schmee

P.S.  Yes, my wallet was at home...

Welcome to Monroe Media!

My name is Michael Colmore Monroe.  I have been blessed with an incredibly talented family and want to welcome you to our new site. Monroe Media will be your place to find positive, intelligent,  and entertaining media right at your finger-tips.

Our vision is to distribute positive media that will better enhance our perception of value, morals, and respect within our nation.  Stay tuned and be prepared! Monroe Media is here.

I leave you with a quote from Albert Einstein, "Doing the same thing over and over again, expecting different results is the definition of insanity."

It is time to do something different.

God bless you all,

Monroe Media