Angels surround us no matter where you go Angels are around us don't you know Angels will be strong for you Angels will belong to you Angels will survive for you and protect you no matter what you do Angels will be there in time of need and angels will never leave as long as you believe.
-Jessica 11, Maryland
Brian is in heaven... / Lynda (mom) I have reposted this from Brian's myspace site. I think it is an important fact about my son and a message that needs to be shared. http://www.myspace.com/rememberingbrianeddie
If you are reading this blog then you probably noticed the changes on the profile page. I can't explain it but I felt it was time to make a few changes and follow a somewhat new direction here. Like the song says, it's time to wake up! Life is no joke and this is not a practice run. This is it, the real deal, we need to make the best of it and start looking at where we're going from here...
I want this site to continue to be a place where others can come and remember Brian. I want it to continue to reflect who Brian was and I recently realized that there is a part of him that isn't well represented here. That's the spiritual aspect. Brian was a very spiritual person. He was christian, he believed that Jesus was his savior. He had an experience when he was about 14 and asked Jesus into his heart. He was saved that night and I know this because he shared it with me. We also discussed the subject of Jesus, of being saved and heaven. The last conversation about this took place less than 2 months prior to his death. I had called Brian to talk with him and I asked him if he knew he would be going to heaven. He laughed but he didn't hesitate to tell me, "Oh yes, I'm planning on it!" He commented some about hoping God wouldn't be too unhappy with him, he knew he didn't always live exactly as he should have. I asked him this because I had recently been baptized and I was going to see the movie, The Passion of Christ so it was on my mind. I told him I wanted to be sure that my kids would be with me in heaven! Of course at that time I was under the assumption that I would be getting there before either of my kids...we never know.
I have no doubt that my son made it into heaven! Since he's been gone I have had many experiences that I consider confirmation of this! It gives me comfort to know that he now lives with Jesus, that he is safe in the arms of God! What better arms to be in! So when I realized that I often hesitated to mention God too much here or associate Brian with Jesus, it upset me. I honestly feel like my son would want me to share these things with all who stop by his page. He would want you all to know where he is (if he hasn't given you some of your own clues), but I genuinely believe he watches over us and anticipates the day when we will join him there.
It has been my understanding that he saw the movie The Passion of Christ. I am grateful for that and comforted by this thought. I would call him and leave voice mails and messages telling him he had to go see that movie! Although we never talked about the movie together, I noticed he expressed more interest in prayer and shared with me that he did pray and believed in the power of prayer. In his things we received after he died, he had his bible, a meditation book and a new book titled Jesus Freaks by DC Talk. They all showed definitely signs of use. I was surprised by the DC Talk book but I was also happy to see it. The book was marked in 2 places and for me that was a direct blessing from God.
Brian was a very spiritual person. He had a heart full of love for other people and he understood the importance of forgiveness better than most people I know, including myself. He was a gentle soul, he demonstrated a good sense of self-control continually in his life, he was patient and kind, he was giving, he lived as a peaceful person, he was joyful and there was a light within him that truly lit up a room wherever he went. He never bragged about himself, he was a humble man, he knew he wasn't perfect and he didn't look for perfection in others. He looked for the best in them and he always believed that things would work out, no matter what the circumstances. He loved people for who they were. Love, Joy, Peace, Goodness, Gentleness, Patience, Faith, Self-Control, Humility...Brian possessed them all and these are the fruit of the spirit. These are character traits that come from God, from the Holy Spirit that lives within our own hearts. You can't fake this stuff, not on a regular basis. Brian was consistent in his character, he was who he was and he is a child of God!
I think there are a lot of confused people in the world when it comes to the gift of salvation. Being saved is very personal and each person's spiritual journey is his own. There are no hard and fast rules, although I do believe that when we are saved and understand the source of our salvation we won't be living purely for ourselves anymore. Life is not all about us, we somehow figure out that we're all in this thing together...together being the key word here!
I've had a few people share with me that Brian's death impacted them in such a way that it played a role in their own decision for salvation. Praise God, the glory is his and it is more evidence that he keeps his promises. Like Romans 8:28- "All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."
God really doesn't want that much from us compared to what he gave up for us! He loves us and he simply wants us to love him. When we love someone don't we strive to please them? And when we mess up, don't we feel bad and regret our actions? Don't we apologize and ask the person to forgive us? A relationship with God is very much the same. We enter into a relationship and try to be the best people that we can be. Not perfect people, just decent people, caring people who are less self-centered. Good relationships are rewarding, they lift us up, encourage us and bring energy to our soul. The rewards of a relationship with God are infinite... I pray if you have not yet taken this step or have a need to renew your commitment to the Lord that you won't put it off any longer! Today is a new day. We're not promised tomorrow, all we have is today! You have nothing to lose and everything to gain through a decision to ask Jesus into your heart. It only requires a simple prayer and an honest desire to do so. You can simply say these words or anything like it and I promise that God will hear them and He will respond...He's always waiting, patiently...
Dear God, Precious Father in Heaven, I know I have so many faults and have committed many wrongs against others and ultimately against you. I am not proud of this. I know I am not worthy of your love and forgiveness yet you say I only need to ask Jesus into my heart and my sins are forgiven. I'm asking now. Jesus please come into my heart now and cleanse me of my sins. Make me a better person and show me your way so that I too will have eternal life. Keep me from sin, show me how to live and help me to let go of the things that keep me from serving you and reaching out to others. In Jesus name I pray...Amen.
"He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8) I pray your journey has begun and that you will find it as amazing as I have! If I don't see you here on earth, I'll see you in heaven! (I hope-that depends on you)
Forgiven & Saved~
Lynda
DUNKFAN UPDATE!!! / Lynda (Brian Colletti's mom ) IT LOOKS LIKE WE HAVE ABOUT 10 TEAMS SO FAR AND WE WILL STILL HAVE OPEN REGISTRATION ON THE MORNING OF THE TOURNAMENT! SHOULD BE A GOOD DAY OF BASKETBALL AND SOME GOOD COMPETITION! ALL LATE FEES FOR REGISTRATION HAVE BEEN DROPPED SINCE WE WERE LATE GETTING THE WORD OUT!
WE WILL HAVE FULL CONCESSIONS SO COME ON DOWN AND HAVE LUNCH AND CHECK OUT THE GAMES! DON'T FORGET WE WILL ALSO HAVE OUR RAFFLE! TICKETS ARE 2 FOR $1.00! WE WILL ALSO HAVE A BAKE SALE TABLE WITH PLENTY OF GOODIES! THERE WILL BE A MERCHANDISE TABLE WITH PREVIOUS T-SHIRTS FROM PAST DUNKFAN'S FOR HALF PRICE, OUR WRISTBANDS, CUPS FROM LAST YEAR AND A COUPLE OTHER ITEMS!
IT ALL TAKES PLACE ON OCTOBER 6, 2007 AT NORTHWOOD TEMPLE ACADEMY IN THE GYM. OPEN REGISTRATION FROM 8-9AM, PRE-REGSITERED TEAMS NEED TO BE THERE BY 9:30AM, KICK-OFF AT 9:45AM AND THE GAMES WILL BEGIN AT 10AM!
BRING THE FAMILY, BRING YOUR NEIGHBORS, BRING ANYONE AND SHOW YOUR SUPPORT BY BEING A TRUE DUNKFAN!!!
EMBRACING PEACE...ONE DUNKFAN AT A TIME!
Prayer for the day... / Lynda (Brian Colletti's mom ) I Look to Thee in Every Need
I look to Thee in every need, and never look in vain; I feel Thy strong and tender love, and all is well again. The thought of Thee is mightier far than sin and pain and sorrow are.
Discouraged in the work of life, disheartened by its load, Shamed by its failures or its fears, I sink beside the road. But let me only think of Thee and then new heart springs up in me.
Thy calmness bends serene above, my restlessness to still; Around me flows Thy quickening life, to nerve my faltering will. Thy presence fills my solitude, Thy providence turns all to good.
Enfolded deep in Thy dear love, held in Thy law, I stand; Thy hand in all things I behold, and all things in Thy hand. Thou leadest me by unsought ways, and turn my mourning into praise.
- Samuel Longfellow
A Gift for Brian / Beverly Ribaudo (Mom To Michael Ribaudo Sr )
Information for making donations online / Lynda (Brian Colletti's mom ) Donations at CCF-Colletti Endowment Fund This is information for making donations to the endowment fund online. The same url but here are the directions. When I tried to do this I was getting a message that said the Colletti fund could not be find. Now I understand why. Here are the directions for the proper channels to use the online function. Sorry for any confusion. Thanks you & God bless! Lynda
http://www.cumberlandcf.org/ Network for Good (from our website www.cumberlandcf.org) the “Charity Name” is Cumberland Community Foundation, North Carolina; and then click Search (see 1st screen shot below). The next page should show CCF and just click “Donate Now”. The 3rd page is where you can designate the gift for a specific fund (see 2nd screen shot below) and purpose. From there you proceed with other specific instructions and finally credit card processing.
Please note that the fees charged are not from CCF…Network for Good receives these fees. We realize it is on the high side and are in the process of researching alternatives for processing gifts by credit card. For now, this is our only/best option. Soula Bantsolas Financial Assistant Cumberland Community Foundation, Inc. (910) 483-4449
I am looking for help with the DunkFan tournament!!! We need sponsors for teams- businesses, clubs, civic organizations, individuals, military groups, anyone to be a DunkFan level sponsor & supporter! You can put your own team in or we can recruit a team for you. (we have many youth agencies, etc. who would love to play & compete!)
We also are looking for individual teams!!! If any of you are planning on getting together a team to play in the tournament please give me a heads up. I hope there will be some of Brian's friends playing again this year. It is much simpler this year, strictly a 3 on 3 tournament, no extra stuff!!! Just good old fashioned basketball!
We are still looking for major sponsors if anyone has any suggestions or works for a company that may be interested in being a part of it all and getting some advertising too!
Major sponsors will go directly into the Brian Colletti Endowment Memorial Fund. Registrations and other sales will go into the DunkFan account to cover expenses and pay out the scholarship. We count on the registrations to pay the scholarship each year until we can get the endowment fund built up enough where it will generate enough interest to cover this.
Also if anyone wants t-shirts I must have your orders ahead of time!!! The same goes for the DunkFan basketballs. I have to have these ordered with pre-payment in order for me to be able to place the order. We need to have at least a minimum order of 20 to get a good price. Otherwise the price is $45 per ball for ones like last years. If we get up nough orders we can nearly cut that cost in half! Remember this is all for a good cause!
DunkFan is more than just a tournament. It's an event that honors Brian Eddie and celebrates his life by doing the one thing that he loved the most-playing basketball! It's also a tool to reach out to youth at risk, which we have done the past 2 years. It's an opportunity to embrace an attitude of peace and goodwill!
Please help to support DunkFan. Northwood Temple Academy alumni, I pray you will show your support not just for Brian, who was also an alumni, but also for your high school and the students currently attending!
One last thought- Brian has over 90 'friends' signed up on his site. I am asking you all to consider donating a minimum of $10 to the endowment fund. That would generate almost $1,000.00! Just some thoughts to pray on!
Any size donation can be mailed to; Attn: Colletti Fund The Cumberland Community Foundation 308 Green Street PO Box 2345 Fayetteville, NC 28302 (910) 483-4449
or you can donate through their website; http://www.cumberlandcf.org/
God bless you all. May He fill you with peace & love~ Lynda Simmons *Brian's mom For more info. you can call me at 910-488-0476 or Kathy at 910-488-0921 Thanks for the love & support. Please keep us & DunkFan in your prayers! Close
Honoring Brian on his 3 years inHeaven. God bless. / Ruth/Twin To My Angel Jose Figueira (connected by Angels ) / Ruth (Twin To My Angel Jose Figueira )Read >>
Honoring Brian on his 3 years inHeaven. God bless. / Ruth/Twin To My Angel Jose Figueira (connected by Angels ) / Ruth (Twin To My Angel Jose Figueira )
Hello Lynda,
I'll be away for Brian's Angel date, but I wanted you to know I haven't forgotten about you or your precious Son. Please know, you, your family and Brian are in my heart & prayers always. Much love & hugs, Ruth
A Dream / Tiffany Taylor (Best Friend )
Last night I had a dream a dream of a man, of courage, integrity, and wisdom. This man was Brian my best friend, a friend that I grew up with that was always their. I remember when we were little we would play all day and all night. A friend to the end well Brian surpasses the end. Very protective we cared a lot about each other, as years go by I still think about him being here today. Even though he's in a better place he will be greatly missed by his best friend. I love him, he always had my back and I will always have his.
Prayer For Young People / Lynda (Brian Colletti's mom )Read >>
Prayer For Young People / Lynda (Brian Colletti's mom )
Prayer for Young People
O God, we pray and beseech you to guide and protect young people from the dangers that are ever present in our world today. Be with them, as they experience both sickness and health, sorrow and joy, loneliness and friendship, success and failure. Gracious God, give to them the courage and strength to make the right decisions as they journey through life. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, may they come to know and experience your loving care. We make this prayer through Christ Our Lord. Amen. Close
Heaven/ Angelica Grover (Twinless Twin)
“Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy.”
Memorial Day... / Lynda (Brian Colletti's mom )Read >>
Memorial Day... / Lynda (Brian Colletti's mom )
Thank you to all who willingly & bravely serve our country! On Memorial Day we pay special tribute to you as well as our fallen vets. You preserve our freedom & protect our welfare. You deserve our respect & thankfulness today & every day! May God bless you & keep you under the umbrella of his love & grace...may you always find peace, strength & comfort through him.
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ~Ephesians 6:13
God Bless You Petty Officer Brian Eddie Colletti. We are & will always be very proud of you as well as thankful for all that you gave to this world & our country!
Fair Winds & Following Seas my sweet son...
Grace & Peace be with us all~ Lynda simmons *Forever Brian's mom
I hope you take the time to understand what the flag draped coffin really means..Here is how to understand the flag that laid upon it and is surrendered to so many widows.
Do you know that at military funerals, the 21-gun salute stands for the sum of the numbers in the year 1776?
Have you ever noticed the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the United States of America Flag 13 times? You probably thought it was to symbolize the original 13 colonies, but we learn something new every day!
The 1st fold of the flag is a symbol of life. ! The 2nd fold is a symbol of the belief in eternal life.
The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing the ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of the country to attain peace throughout the world.
The 4th fold represents the weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.
The 5th fold is a tribute to the country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.
The 6th fold is for where people's hearts lie. It is with their heart that They pledge allegiance to the flag of the United! States Of America, and the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.
The 7th fold is a tribute to its Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that they protect their country and their flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of their republic.
The 8th fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day.
The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. For it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.
The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of their country since they were first born.
The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.
!
The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding them of their nations motto, "In God We Trust."
After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the Sailors and Marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for them the rights, privileges and freedoms they enjoy today.
There are some traditions and ways of doing things that have deep meaning. In the future, you'll see flags folded and now you will know why.
Share this with the children you love and all others who love what is referred to, the symbol of "Liberty and Freedom"
MAYBE THE SUPREME COURT SHOULD READ THIS EXPLANATION BEFORE THEY RENDER THEIR DECISION ON THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. FORWARD IT; MAYBE SOMEONE WITH THE NECESSARY POWER, OR POLITICAL AND FINANCIAL INFLUENCE, WILL GET IT TO THEM.
Prayer for the day... / Lynda (Brian Colletti's mom )Read >>
Prayer for the day... / Lynda (Brian Colletti's mom )
Invocation to the Dawn
Look to this day, for it is Life, the very life of Life; In its brief course lie all the verities and realities of your existence... the bliss of Growth, the glory of Action, the splendour of Beauty.
For Yesterday is but a dream, and Tomorrow only a vision; But Today well lived makes Yesterday a dream of Happiness and Tomorrow a vision of Hope.
Look well, therefore, to this day. Such is the salutation to the Dawn.
Prayer for Peace, Love & Happiness... / Lynda (Brian Colletti's mom )Read >>
Prayer for Peace, Love & Happiness... / Lynda (Brian Colletti's mom )
Prayer for Peace, Love, and Happiness
Let me be loved, let me be happy, let me be peaceful. Let my friends be happy, loved, and peaceful. Let my perceived enemies be happy, loved, and peaceful. Let all beings be happy, loved, and peaceful. Let the whole world experience these things.
Prayer..../ Lynda (Brian Colletti's mom ) Prayer for Life's Journey
May we know that it is the journey that is important. May we find our own truths and the divine within ourselves and in doing so help our fellow travelers to find their own. May we see each other through spirit and not through worldly eyes. Namaste
I read this prayer and my thoughts seemed to focus on the word journey. So I decided to look up the actual definition of the word. It said that journey is; the act of traveling from one place to another.
As I think about that in terms of my life I relate this to living. Journey implies an act or action, it's a verb, the same as living, it too implies action and is a verb. My life is made up of many journeys, some in the physical sense while some is definitely in the spiritual sense. Both ways I am traveling from one place to another.
The day to day living is easy to see that, running errands, meeting this one or that one, going to appointments, church, visiting, etc... I am journeying all day long.
Then there is the the journeying that takes lace over the course of time in my life. My experiences are something I journey through. As I grow and mature I am journeying from one place to another in my spiritual life. My relationship with God continually grows and changes and as a result so do I.
I think that's why I always instinctively understood that life has never been about a destination. If I was only focused on reaching some destination I would have missed so much of the journey. If I had ever reached some 'proverbial' destination, than to me that would be like becoming stagnant, complacent or just plain quit living. I am no longer learning, wondering, changing... That's not living for me. I will never have all the answers this side of heaven. I will always have things to learn and I always want to remain teachable. I don't ever want to reach my destination, I prefer to stay on the journey and trust God to lead the way.
And as with most things, it's always nice to enjoy it with others. So I look forward to those I will meet while traveling from place to place and I will also enjoy the times when I must go it alone so God can have my undivided attention!
I truly believe we are all traveling towards the same place or same destination (if you will)... I just think there are many different roads to travel on and we can change direction at any time. I guess there is a destination to arrive at eventually. For me that is my final destination, at home with the Lord, so until I am there I will press on with my life's journey!
May God bless you on your journey. May it be filled with God's peace and His grace... Lynda
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