Sons and Daughters of Destiny

Hi,

Just finished a workshop in ATL with the Sons and Daughters of Destiny Summer Youth Academy. It was great! The participants were fun to work with and they were very involved in the group discussions. I had to calm them down several times, especially when talking about pre-marital sex. But it was all good. I had an opportunity to share with them and they had the opportunity to give me some much needed feedback regarding the Tru-2-Life Series and Brittani. Everyone wanted to know what happened to Brittani, Ayana and Kenny. I gave them a sneak peek, but couldn't tell much cause I ain't finished with book 2 yet and I don't even know myself what will happen in the end with all of the characters. LOL


As you can tell by the pics, we had a ball. A DEA officer and his K-9 dog, Drake, were there to provide drug related info with the participants. Even though I work in the field of drugs and alcohol, I learned a thing or two. All I can say is, don't do drugs. Drake is definitely on the case. Trying to mask the smell with coffee, air freshners and whatever else you think of can not outsmart the keen nose of a trained dog. Trust me.

Here's a shout out to all of the participants, the panel guests and most of all to Ms. Katheryn Jones of Destiny Family Services.

Until nest time...
Be Blessed,
Camille

Why Can't We All Just Get Along

Hey Y'all,

Every now and again, I browse other blogs just to get an idea of what's out there. I also look for ways to improve my own site. But y'all, look at what I found while browsing. Other pictures of this nature can be found on http://letsbefriends.blogspot.com

As they say here in South Carolina, "Bless their hearts." Aren't they just adorable? Now, let me be the first to say that I am not at all fond of rats or their babies. But even I can't deny the beauty and simplicity of this picture. A bird protecting a rodent with its wing is not something that you will see everyday. However, it reminds me of how God's love continually covers us. Even at times when we don't deserve it, His grace and mercy shields us.

Today, make an effort to protect a relationship. When someone offers you gossip about a friend, let the gossiper know that you will not tolerate such talk about your friend. Be like that little bird and guard your friend. Just remember, if that person will talk about someone else to you, they will talk about you to someone else.

Be Blessed,
Camille

Hello,

Just wanted to share with you an upcoming event that I believe will be a wonderful opportunity for teens. It's the "Holywood Retreat" sponsored by Cee Cee Michaela (that's her in the picture). Check out her website at www.ceeceemichaela.com for more information on this event. Please make all attempts to be there. I know that I will. Cee Cee has lined up some really wonderful individuals to share their gifts and talents with you. There will even be a purity ceremony for those willing to take a vow of purity (more on the subject of purity later).

Take care,
Camille

Hi,

I just finished a workshop in the big ATL and I wanted to share this wonderful experience with you. The workshop, "You are a Precious Jewel" was hosted by Fresh Start for Women, Inc. Janice Pettigrew is the Founder and Executive Director of this non-profit organization. So, if you are in the Atlanta area, look her up. She's a great resource and just a delight to know. Their mission is to help rebuild self-esteem in women who have been victims of domestic violence.

"You are a Precious Jewel" was designed as a girls' empowerment program. Don't you just love it! I know I do. What a better way to stem the tide of domestic violence, than to provide information and resources for young women so that they may make healthy choices in their lives. You all are worth it.

The young women you see here in the picture were attendees of the workshop. As you can see, they are all precious jewels. I will be facilitating another workshop in September and we will be discussing teen relationship abuse. I look to see you there.

Much Love,
Camille

Hi Everyone,

I recently attended the Girls of Greatness Abstinence & Teen Pregnancy Prevention Conference in Atlanta. It was absolutely wonderful! There were over 500 girls and adults in attendance. This event is the brainchild of two extremely powerful girls' organizations, I Am B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L. and Diamond In The Rough Youth Development Program, Inc. Their primary purpose and mission is to educate young women and their parents on the real emotional, physical and spiritual consequences of pre-marital sex.

I am so excited to learn that Girls of Greatness is coming to Columbia, SC in October 2007. They have a lot of information, as well as fun stuff for you to enjoy. They may be coming to a city near you. Believe me when I tell you, you don't want to miss their conference. So visit their websites at http://www.iambeautiful.org/ and http://www.ditr.org/ for details.

Here is a picture of me along with my aunt, Margaret Freeman. She is the founder and executive director of The Hannah Angel Center. Her non-profit volunteer organization provides support, information, and resources to unwed young mothers and their infants. Visit her website at www.hannahangelcenter.org.

Until next time...
Camille

Contact Information

Hello Everyone,

Have you ever forgotten anything? Homework? Keys? Where you parked at Wal-Mart? Well, you are probably not old enough for that yet but it will come, trust me.

Recently, someone alerted me to the fact that there is no contact information on my website. What a major oversight on my part! I promise to have that taken care of shortly. But in the meantime, my info will be listed here on this blog page (See below).

When we forget things, we can look at the event in two ways. We can take a positive approach or we can take a negative one. The negative approach would be to beat yourself up while making excuses for the oversight. "How can I be so stupid?" Just know that the negative self-talk will not make you feel good about you. You will begin to doubt yourself not only as it relates to this matter, but also in other areas of your life.

Then there is the positive approach which allows you to learn from your mistakes. Learn to accept that you are not perfect and don't know everything. Learn that you can accept the advice of others. And most of all, learn to girl-up and move on. I choose to learn from my mistakes. You know, girl-up. What about you?

Please call, write, or E-mail me at the following:

Camille Peay

P.O. Box 24802

Columbia, SC 29224

(803) 210-6149

cwpeay@bellsouth.net

Be Blessed,

Camille

Let's Talk About Race

Hello,

I want to take you back to the year 1975. I had just won the title of Miss Beach High School (Savannah, Ga.) and was taking my victory walk with my escort. As we walked down the aisle, I noticed that our way was blocked. Many of the white students were leaving in protest of my winning. I was hurt and embarrassed. Despite having to weave my way through the crowd, I continued to smile. What else was I to do?

Now, let's fast forward to the year 2007, some 32 years later. Last Saturday, my family and I attended a local high school pageant where our youngest daughter was in competition. After the announcement of an all black court, several of the whites walked out. Now this time it was not just students walking out, but their parents walked out too. Along with the excitement and sheer joy of the winners, there was a cloud of discontent. You could see the disappointment and irritation on the faces of some of the contestants. You could hear the angry whispers claiming racism of some in the crowd. A father had to coax his daughter to smile to take a family picture.

How far have we come when dealing with race? Better yet, how far have you as an individual come when dealing with racial issues? As a Christian, we are taught to love our neighbors as ourselves. Does this only apply when your neighbors look like you? Think about how you treat others outside of your race. Would God be pleased with your answer? Think about it.

Your Assignment:
For the next seven days journal your thoughts, feelings and reactions to racial issues. Each day pray about the challenges that you face in this area and ask God for the wisdom and knowledge in dealing with your challenges.

Much Love,
Mama Peay

P.S. Of course I must give a shout out to all of the contestants and especially to my daughter Caitlin who won Miss Senior (that's her in the lavendar gown).