Love Never Dies... / Lynda (Brian Colletti's mom ) Love Is Stronger Than Death
Love is stronger than death. So I must be content to know that love is not affected by death-- it doesn't end, it doesn't diminish, it doesn't change. Instead, love is immortalized and eternalized through death. And the possibility of that love ever being damaged or broken is eliminated forever. I'll put my trust in love.
- Mary Hollingsworth
Dear Brian, I know this to be so true. My love for you Brian will never die and in fact continues to grow! I miss you more everyday, but I know that you are safe in my heart and I will always love you. You will always love me too! Thanks to God's love for us all, and the sacrifice his son made for us, we will not be apart forever. The day will come when we will be together and that will be for eternity! I love you~ Mom No Greater Love.... John 15:13
PEACE.../ Lynda (Brian Colletti's mom ) Interfaith Prayer for Peace
O God, you are the source of life and peace. Praised be your name forever. We know it is you who turns our minds to thoughts of peace. Hear our prayer in this time of crisis. Your power changes hearts.
Muslims, Christians, and Jews remember, and profoundly affirm, that they are followers of the one God, Children of Abraham, brothers and sisters; enemies begin to speak to one another; those who were estranged join hands in friendship; nations seek the way of peace together.
Strengthen our resolve to give witness to these truths by the way we live. Give to us: Understanding that puts an end to strife; Mercy that quenches hatred, and Forgiveness that overcomes vengeance. Empower all people to live in your law of love Amen.
Live in the love & light... / Lynda (Brian Colletti's mom ) Your right work is to live in the love and the light, and share it when you can and only when you can. Spend time in places where love is a priority. And when you go where love isn’t everyone’s conscious priority, let it still be yours. Share the love. That’s your job today.”
Devotional Prayer / Lynda (Brian Colletti's mom ) You’ve got to believe that God is in control of your life. It may be a tough time but you’ve got to believe that God has a reason for it and he’s going to make everything good.
-Joel Osteen
A way of life...Meditation for 8/20/06 / Lynda (Brian Colletti's mom ) Testing Your Faith in Christ
So whatever you wish that men would do to you, do so to them; for this is the law and the prophets. Matthew 7:12 (Revised Standard Version)
2 Corinthians 13:1-11 This is the third time I am coming to you. Any charge must be sustained by the evidence of two or three witnesses. I warned those who sinned before and all the others, and I warn them now while absent, as I did when present on my second visit, that if I come again I will not spare them -- since you desire proof that Christ is speaking in me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful in you. For he was crucified in weakness, but lives by the power of God. For we are weak in him, but in dealing with you we shall live with him by the power of God.
Examine yourselves, to see whether you are holding to your faith. Test yourselves. Do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you? -- unless indeed you fail to meet the test! I hope you will find out that we have not failed. But we pray God that you may not do wrong -- not that we may appear to have met the test, but that you may do what is right, though we may seem to have failed. For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. What we pray for is your improvement. I write this while I am away from you, in order that when I come I may not have to be severe in my use of the authority which the Lord has given me for building up and not for tearing down.
Finally, brethren, farewell. Mend your ways, heed my appeal, agree with one another, live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you.
May God Bless you & keep you in his loving grace. May you read his word and hear his greatest prayer, to be with him in eternity. Peace & Blessings~Lynda
Prayer for the day... / Lynda (Brian Colletti's mom ) May There Be Peace Within
May you trust your highest power that you are exactly where you are meant to be... May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith. May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you... May you be content knowing you are a child of God... Let this presence settle into our bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of you...
- Author Unknown
Brian Eddie Colletti Day Proclamation / Lynda (Brian Colletti's mom )Read >>
Brian Eddie Colletti Day Proclamation / Lynda (Brian Colletti's mom )
City of Fayetteville Office of the Mayor
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, peace is of the utmost importance to everyone and begins when we respect each other, our world and ourselves; AND
WHEREAS, senseless loss of life, liberty and property can be eliminated once we establish a vision of peace in concurrence with nonviolent solutions to each others differences; AND
WHEREAS, we, as children of God, can lessen the incidence of violence and separation by pulling together and working for a common goal, teaching peace; AND
WHEREAS, Brian Eddie Colletti was a citizen of the city of Fayetteville, NC, a graduate of Northwood Temple Academy, and Captain of the basketball team; AND
WHEREAS, Brian Eddie Colletti served as a Petty Officer – a proud and respected member of the United States Coast Guard – and worked as a Lifesaver with Search and Rescue; AND
WHEREAS, Brian Eddie Colletti, was a compassionate individual, always treating others with kindness and respect, and he was a true promoter of peace who was loved by many and known as the ‘Peacemaker’ to family and friends; AND
WHEREAS, Brian Eddie Colletti was known to have a passion for the game of basketball and had hoped to coach young people in basketball once he retired from the Coast Guard; AND
WHEREAS, he had a dream of showing young people a positive alternative to destructive lifestyles, utilizing basketball as a way to reach young people and youth at risk; AND
WHEREAS, he had hoped to show them love, kindness and respect while cultivating an attitude of peace, encouraging team work and respect for one another, by setting an example of exemplary character; AND
WHEREAS, Brian Eddie Colletti lived his life with intention, he humbly gave of himself to others and he had a genuine love for all people; AND
WHEREAS, Dunk Fan will commemorate the life of Petty Officer Brian Eddie Colletti and spread a message of non-violence to those in need of guidance, compassion and respect, sharing God’s unconditional love and acknowledging that we are all one in the eyes of God.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Anthony G. Chavonne, Mayor of the City of Fayetteville, North Carolina, hereby proclaim August 5, 2006, to be
Brian Eddie Colletti Day Embracing Peace… One Dunk Fan At A Time!
in our All-America City and recognize the importance of promoting peace and harmony in our community.
Watering the World / Lynda (Brian Colletti's mom )Read >>
Watering the World / Lynda (Brian Colletti's mom ) Watering the World In a hot, dry season, a tiny drop of kindness makes the world healthier and more hopeful. By Bob Perks
"It's time to water the mailman," I said.
The woman standing in line with me at the supermarket pretended not to hear me. When I turned toward her, she nervously looked at me out of the corner of her eye.
I smiled. "I do it every year," I said. She smiled and shrugged her shoulders. "That's why I'm buying this case of bottled water," I said. "That's nice," she replied warily.
I was next in line, so I paid for my items and said to the clerk, "This is for my mailman."
"I'm sure he'll appreciate it. It's going to get really hot this week," she said.
As I walked away I paused for a moment to readjust my grip on the case of water. I could hear the woman say, "Is he crazy? He wants to water his mailman?"
The clerk, who knows me very well from shopping there almost daily, began to explain, "He does this every year. He puts a few bottles out on his porch in ice every day when the weather gets hot. He tells me the mailman loves it."
"Oh, that's what he meant,” she said. I continued out the door and headed home.
I thought about it for a while. I know why I do it. I do it because I appreciate him...rain, snow, sleet, heat, whatever...he delivers.
Watering the mailman. Actually, it’s a good analogy. I take care of him. I add to his day. In turn, I have gained a friend. I think we need to do that in our relationships. We need to tend to those people who bring something special to our lives. We need to appreciate the things we take for granted.
I remember my father inviting the coal man into our house when he delivered coal to us the day before Christmas. He offered him a drink and some snacks. He was "watering the coal man."
Every time I go shopping I always make appreciative comments to the clerks. I do it to brighten their day.
I give a tip to the girl at the pizza shop even when I am just picking it up myself.
Please don't see this as bragging. It doesn't call for praise. It's really something we should do all the time. Those little things add up. In the big picture, they make the world a little more bearable.
I'm not just talking about the people who get paid to be courteous as a part of customer service. I'm talking about the guy who holds the door for the next person. The woman who stops to say something nice about a newborn.
They "water the world."
Like a gentle shower on a garden, the water represents life. A tiny drop of kindness makes the world healthier, better off, and perhaps more hopeful. Yes, that's it. All those little things, those tiny drops of water, add up to make waves in a dry and barren life.
I think of it as following the lead of the 23rd Psalm. God waters my soul. God fills up my cup and it overflows with millions of tiny drops of living water. God nourishes my spirit in those dry times by watering the gifts He has given me. And He leaves cool, clear wells of hope along my path just when I need them most.
Why not join me? Together we can "water the world"! Close
Prayer for the day... / Lynda (Brian Colletti's mom )Read >>
Prayer for the day... / Lynda (Brian Colletti's mom )
Prayer for Peace on Earth
Send Thy peace O Lord, which is perfect and everlasting, that our souls may radiate peace.
Send Thy peace O Lord, that we may think, act, and speak harmoniously.
Send Thy peace O Lord, that we may be contented and thankful for Thy bountiful gifts.
Send Thy peace O Lord, that amidst our worldly strife, we may enjoy Thy bliss.
Send Thy peace O Lord, that we may endure all, tolerate all, in the thought of Thy grace and mercy.
Send Thy peace O Lord, that our lives may become a Divine vision and in Thy light, all darkness may vanish.
Send Thy peace O Lord, our Father and Mother, that we Thy children on Earth may all unite in one family.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! / Ann Reeves ^i^ Mom Eric Reeves Read >>
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! / Ann Reeves ^i^ Mom Eric Reeves Thinking of you all. Have a Great party with all your friends in Heaven, Brian. Peace & hope, Ann Reeves Close
Thinking of you at this hard time / Ann Reeves ^i^ Mom Eric Reeves Read >>
Thinking of you at this hard time / Ann Reeves ^i^ Mom Eric Reeves Keeping you and your family in my prayers. RIP and know you are always loved and remembered, Brian. God Bless you all. Ann ReevesClose
I just wanted to share this... this is from the devotional Lynda gave me.
Our Lord, we thank Thee for so much. We bless Thee and praise Thy Glorious Name.
It is amazing how much God loves us! Could you imagine how life would be if everyone treated others with love and consideration..... This is what truly made Eddie special! Fill your world with Love and laughter. Never mind what anguish lies behind you. Forget, Forgive, Love, and Laugh. Treat all as you would treat Me, with Love and consideration. Let nothing that others do to you alter your treatment of them.
From Brian's book... / Lynda (Brian Colletti's mom )Read >>
From Brian's book... / Lynda (Brian Colletti's mom )
This is a meditation from Brian's devotional book I gave him when he left for USCG bootcamp. The name of the book is~ Wisdom from the Bible~Daily thoughts from the Proverbs (It returned to me worn & scuffed, evidence it was read & used...)
July 25
The Lord has made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil (Proverbs 16:4)
She had to be the most forgiving woman in the world. Three young hoodlums had broken into her house, had tied her up, stolen all her valuables and she didn't even have a harsh word to say about them. She said, "I'm fine and that's all the really matters. Those boys are God's children just like everyone else. They have just gone bad. God will take care of them so I don't have to worry about it one bit."
It is difficult to let go of bad feelings that we hold against other people. When we have been wronged, we want justice done, we want to see the persecutors be punished. Often, we forget that they are children of God, and that we must love even those who do not love us. Jesus said that if we love only those who are good and kind, that we do not know the real meaning of love. It is when we can learn to love those who hate us and try to harm us that we understand what love is all about. If God loved only those who were worthy of His love, then he would never love anyone. Love isn't somehting earned. It is something freely given, and God expects us to love everyone at least as much as we love ourselves. God created everything on this earth, and it is our duty to respect and honor His whole creation.
PRAYER: Most holy God, it is not easy to love those people who seem evil and try to hurt me. I get angry when people try to take advantage of me. Help me to love with your love, and to see life through your eyes. Amen.
I read this and knew that it was no mistake it appears on this date, July 25... My heart is heavy with sorrow, with the love for my son who I miss so much...it has no room for anger, resentment and bitterness... I do believe we are all God's children, and as I have said before, the day my son was shot, at that moment my God hung his head and cried, he lost 2 children in that moment... I know he sent his angels to carry Brian to him and that is where my son is, he lives with the Lord, safe in his beautiful kingdom, filled with peace & joy. I'll bet he has even played some basketball with Jesus himself! I wonder, who do you think won that game? My bets are on Brian!
Two Years Ago...Dear Brian~ / Lynda (Brian Colletti's mom )Read >>
Two Years Ago...Dear Brian~ / Lynda (Brian Colletti's mom )
Dear Brian, I just wanted to tell you I love you today, Tell you how I miss you more than I can say, It’s so very hard to be left behind, Not a day goes by that you’re not on my mind… How do I put into words the pain that lingers on? The grief that still fills me since you’ve been gone, There’s a deep-rooted sadness that never ends, You’re missed so much by family and friends... I struggle each day with this monster called grief, Praying that God will bring some relief. Slowly I’m learning to live with my pain, Trying to keep from going insane. So much has changed since you’ve been gone, My nights are darker and my days are long… These past 2 years have been so hard to bear, Facing each day without you there. I keep you safe within my heart, Where nothing can ever keep us apart… My faith is strong, my hope is true, One day God’s own angels will take me to you…
I love you all the way to heaven… Mom XOXO
Thank you to the many people who have offered their prayers and support. Your kind words, caring thoughts and acts have meant so very much to us all. May God bless you with His abundant love & peace~ The Family of Brian Eddie Colletti August 2, 1979~July 25, 2004
Live in Harmony with Everyone! / Lynda (Brian Colletti's mom )Read >>
Live in Harmony with Everyone! / Lynda (Brian Colletti's mom )
Live in Harmony With One Another
I found out...that my personal joy is not somebody else’s responsibility. It’s my responsibility. Joyce Meyer
Romans 12:9-21 Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with brotherly affection; outdo one another in showing honor.
Never flag in zeal, be aglow with the Spirit, serve the Lord.
Rejoice in your hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.
Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; never be conceited.
Repay no one evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all.
If possible, so far as it depends upon you, live peaceably with all.
Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God; for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord."
No, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head."
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
I think this should be the #1 priority of every human being! I have truly tried to do this all of my life, though I know I am not perfect & I do not expect others to be perfect either, I have learned that when I have made mistakes that resulted in someone being hurt, I need to make ammends the best that I can. Life overall deals out enough pain, I do not want to add to another's pain, I want to try to ease their hurts when I can & be encouraging, doing my best to always be mindful of my own actions each day. Thank you God for your unending grace & mercy. Thank for your son who gave his own life to forgive us of our sins...so that we may have life everlasting with you in a world where only harmony exists! Thank you for saving our loved ones & for your promise that we will see them again! Peace & Love~ Lynda
Basketball Tournament~Endowment Fund Information... / Lynda (Brian Colletti's mom )
THE 2ND ANNUAL DUNK FAN 3 ON 3 BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT WILL TAKE PLACE ON AUGUST 4 & 5TH, WITH A FRIDAY KICK-OFF BEGINNING AT 6PM. DINNER, ENTERTAINMENT & SPECIAL GUESTS. A SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO THE UNITED STATES COAST GUARD! I HOPE ALL WHO CAN WILL COME OUT AND JOIN US! OPEN REGISTRATION TABLE DURING THE KICK OFF...$150 PER TEAM,(Saturday games) UP TO 5 PLAYERS ON SATURDAY, THE 5TH WE WILL BEGIN AT 8AM WITH OPEN COURT UNTIL 9AM. AT 9AM, OUR MAYOR WILL ISSUE THE PROCLAMATION FOR BRIAN EDDIE COLLETTI DAY! THEN THE GAMES WILL BEGIN! OTHER ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILY MEMBERS! LIVE MUSIC, ARTS & CRAFTS, MINI CHEERLEADING CAMP, AND MINI BASKETBALL CAMP WITH A JUNIOR DUNK FAN CONTEST! COME JOIN US FOR ALL THE FUN WITH AN ATMOSPHERE OF PEACE & LOVE! EMBRACING PEACE...ONE DUNK FAN AT A TIME!!!
DONATIONS CAN BE MADE TO THE CUMBERLAND COMMUNITY FOUNDATION (CCF)~*BRIAN COLLETTI FUND 308 GREEN STREET~PO BOX 2345 FAYETTEVILLE, NC 28302
DONATIONS CAN ALSO BE MADE ONLINE AT; WWW.CUMBERLANDCF.ORG -TO BRIAN EDDIE COLLETTI MEMORIAL ENDOWMENT FUND
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR QUESTIONS CONTACT ME AT 910-488-0476
The New You... / Lynda (Brian Colletti's mom )Read >>
The New You... / Lynda (Brian Colletti's mom )
You Are Not the Same
You are not the same person you were before. Too much has changed within and without. Do not try to fall back into the same patterns because you will only struggle to fit into a lifestyle that no longer fits. In order to live this new life, you must first identify the areas of your life that you struggle with, and then take steps to learn how to move forward in those areas. For instance, you might find yourself in new situations that you are not comfortable in without your loved one, or you might have new responsibilities that you do not know how to fulfill because your loved one used to take care of them for you.
Here is where you need to grow. God will provide what you need to experience true growth. Pray for wisdom as you develop new patterns of living.
Gretchen says, "My husband could talk to anybody about anything for any length of time, and I just always let him do it. I wasn't a big talker, but the Lord gave me some of that talking ability after he died. And I've been grateful for that because I was very happy in just letting my husband carry the conversation with people. Now, every time I go to something that I really wished I didn't have to go to, I just call on the Lord. The Lord is so faithful. Every single time I get through it and wind up enjoying it."
By God's grace you can be changed. You do not have to try and be the person you were before, because that is not possible. Instead . . .
"Put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator" (Colossians 3:10).
Lord, even though I don't necessarily want to change, I know that I must. Give me confidence and wisdom in the areas that I struggle with. Amen.
I am not who I was nearly 2 years ago. I am still finding who I am but one thing I know for sure, I am a child of God and he loves me. I will always be Brian's mom, that will never change. There are certain things that I know now that will not change, but much of what I thought I knew about life at one time has been challenged and now I am finding new answers to questions I did not even know I had... I think about death now. Not in the morbid sense, but in the real sense. It is one of the realities of life, something we will all face... I am more aware of my own soul and how it belongs to God... I find that very comforting. I am no longer afraid of my own mortality, it is just part of the journey that I am on and when I complete my travels through this life, I will pass through to the next, where all is eternal and good. Peace & Blessings~ Lynda
Look To This Day / Lynda (Brian Colletti's mom )Read >>
Look To This Day / Lynda (Brian Colletti's mom ) Salutation 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 splendor of achievement; For yesterday is but a dream, And tomorrow is only a vision; But today, well lived, makes every yesterday a dream of happiness, And every tomorrow a vision of hope.
Some Legends of the Rainbow... / Lynda (Brian Colletti's mom )Read >>
Some Legends of the Rainbow... / Lynda (Brian Colletti's mom )
In Greek mythology the rainbow was used as a symbol for the rainbow bridge between this world and the world of the Gods. In Norse mythology the Vikings also had the rainbow bridge that led them to the gates of Valhalla which was one of the most beautiful halls of Asgard. A god named Heimdall lived by the rainbow bridge, watching over it constantly. In many cultures around the world there are stories and legends about the rainbow as a path or gate to a better world and a golden reward. In one of the most famous films ever made, "The Wizard of Oz" and the theme song, "Somewhere over the rainbow" has become a part of everyone's life.
In African societies the rainbow takes on a more energetic meaning. It is equated with the sky serpent, a symbol of energy flowing between heaven and earth. The Chinese believed the colors of the rainbow represented the union of the yin and yang energies. In the practice of Tantric Buddhism, the rainbow body is a meditative state in which matter begins to be transformed into pure light. According to Irish folklore, when a rainbow touches the ground you can find buried treasure there. If you get busy chasing rainbows maybe your luck will lead you to the Leprechaun's pot of gold!
In recent times the rainbow flag has symbolized "unity in diversity" and the power of light for illuminating future progress. From a scientific viewpoint, the rainbow is in fact a single, indivisible entity. Newton himself had said that the rainbow consists of seven homogeneous gleams. There are many distinctive colors of the rainbow- red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. Actually, the rainbow is a whole continuum of colors from red to violet and even beyond the colors that the eye can see.
Our rainbow butterflies are a beautiful combination of all the colors of the rainbow and the natural wonder of butterflies. The electronic moving butterflies make a unique gift idea for every special occasion and they make a great birthday gift, wedding gift and party favor. You can use these realistic butterflies for enhancing the interior design of any home. Office lobby reception areas do well decorated with butterflies because they provide an uplifting vibe for the work environment.
Tributes and Condolences
Add to favorites 
