hannukah Archives | VoiceAmerica Press Blog

At Christmas….

Posted by

Cynthia Brian on December 19, 2022

Empowerment

Miracle Moment®

“This Christmas…

Mend a quarrel.

Seek out a forgotten friend.

Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust.

Write a letter.

Give a soft answer.

Encourage youth.

Manifest your loyalty in word and deed.

Keep a promise.

Forgo a grudge.

Forgive an enemy.

Apologize.

Try to understand.

Examine your demands on others.

Think first go someone else.

Be kind.

Be gentle.

Laugh a little more.

Express your gratitude.

Welcome a stranger.

Gladden the heart of a child.

Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth.

Speak your love.

Speak it again.”

Howard Hunter

A Message from Founder/Executive Director, Cynthia Brian

Although published more than twenty eight years ago, I have lived by the credo in this Miracle Moment® for a lifetime. The holidays are the opportune time to share our love, encouragement, kindness, and generosity.

On behalf of everyone here at Be the Star You Are!® as well as StarStyle® Productions LLC, I take this moment to wish you the brightness and joy of this season of light. No matter what your race, religion, culture, or belief, as humans, we are all one. This is a time to come together, be gentle, and express gratitude.

I am personally grateful to everyone who has supported Be the Star You Are!® with their time, money, and ideas. For those who want to make an end-of-year contribution (and get a tax-deduction) there is still time. Make a DONATION through PAYPAL GIVING FUND with 100% going to BTSYA with NO FEES: https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504. Send a check:

Be the Star You Are!®

PO Box 376

Moraga, California 94556

There are many other ways you can help including buying NFTS, shopping through Amazon Smile, or visiting our online store to purchase our books and tank tops.

My Christmas wish for you is that all your dreams and wishes come true. Savor this sacred time with family and friends. Thank you for being part of our galaxy and we wish you a very happy, healthy, and prosperous 2023.

With love and gratitude,

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, Happy Kwanza, or whatever you celebrate-from my family to yours….ENJOY!!!

Cynthia Brian

Founder/Executive Director

Be the Star You Are!®

PO Box 376

Moraga, California 94556

Cynthia@BetheStarYouAre.org

https://www.BetheStarYouAre.org

http://www.BTSYA.org

DONATE: https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504

No Barnyard Bullies is a Favorite

If you’ve been reading StarStyle® Empowerment for a bit, you may recall that the Kindness Coordinator for Be the Star You Are!®, Karen Kitchel, purchased the book, No Barnyard Bullies, for an entire class in Minnesota. She recently emailed me this, which definitely made my day.

Hi Cynthia,

Just wanted to share a little happening in Kindergarten today. I started one-on-one reading of little five-page paper books with all the kids A student wanted to read with me so I told him he could pick any book, and we would read it together. He came back with your book and proceeded to read every word. I was amazed! I also pointed out how you, the author, signed the book. Loved seeing him smile.

All because of you…

Big hugs,

Karen

So many people have sent photos of kids enjoying the book. The illustrations by Jensen Russell are superb. Book two will be published in 2023. To purchase autographed copies now, visit

http://www.StarStyleStore.net

Buy No Barnyard Bullies

No Barnyard Bullies

SANTA DAY at 5A…the North Pole in Town

The weather was miserable, blustery, cold, and pouring rain, yet Santa and his reindeer made the trek to Moraga. Excited families arrived with children anxious to write letters to Santa, sit on his lap, do crafts, and enjoy treats. Thanks to Mark Hoogs State Farm Insurance, www.TeamHoogs.com for sponsoring Be the Star You Are!® and to 5A Rent-a-Space for asking Be the Star You Are!® to participate annually. Linda Pfost of 5 A Rent a space wrote:

Hi Cynthia,

You and your helpers are such a pleasure to work with. Thank you for your positive energy!

Have a wonderful Holiday!

Volunteers Sharanya, Keerthi, and Sophie were amazing elves! Thank you ladies for making the day fun and special for children. Watch Keerthi’s great video on Instagram of Santa Day at https://www.instagram.com/expressyourselfradio/.

Meet the Newest and Youngest Reporter on Express Yourself!™ Teen Radio, Milan Bains

Milan is an eleven-year-old sixth grader at Highland Middle School who loves looking at structures of buildings and high rises and hopes to one day be an architect. He has played violin since he was 5 years old and now plays for the school orchestra. When you don’t see him playing his violin he is probably playing on the tennis court. From a young age he has loved games whether it was Candyland as a four-year-old, Uno with his cousins (fellow teen radio reporters Nihal and Kirpa), or competitive chess at school. Milan loves math and is challenging himself in accelerated math every day at school. MIlan loves anything that involves technology and innovation and hopes to share some of this passion during his teen radio segments. He is super excited to be part of the “Express Yourself Teen Radio” team with his segment “Well-rounded!”

Listen to Milan’s first interview on the topic of Climate change on the Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/140750/climate-change

NFTS for the Holidays

If you are looking for a whimsical and fun gift to give to an internet savvy collector, check out the spectacular NFTS at www.StarStyleCommunity.com. Each NFT depicts one of five characters drawn by talented illustrator, Jensen Russell from Cynthia Brian’s new children’s book, No Barnyard Bullies. You own your purchased unique and original NFT which you can trade or sell.

When you purchase an NFT, you become a member of the StarStyle® community. As a member, you are entitled to participate in exciting events exclusive to the community including hangouts, storytelling, book readings, sneak peeks, classes, discussions, and good old down-on-the-farm fun, all virtually from the comfort of your couch.

Best of all, you will be making a difference by empowering women, families, and youth through increased literacy and positive media messages as all purchases benefit Be the Star You Are!® 501c3 charity.
Get your NFTS today! www.StarStyleCommunity.com

SIMPLE WAYS TO HELP!

There is still time to buy gifts and make a difference. We have suggestions for you to shop, save, and stay safe. Please use these web sites for all of your shopping essentials.

1. AmazonSmile donates .5% of purchases https://smile.amazon.com/ch/94-3333882

2. Discounted books at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shops/be_the_star_you_a

3. Giving Assistant: Shop. Earn. Give! Use Giving Assistant to earn cash at 3500+ popular online stores :https://givingassistant.org/np#be-the-star-you-are-inc

4. Shop at over 1300 stores on IGIVE: http://www.iGive.com/BTSYA

5. Buy “Read, Lead, Succeed” black tanks and books at StarStyle® Store:

http://www.starstylestore.net/

StarStyle Store

6. Are you a gamer, lover of new software, or other digital content? Buy all of your favorites at Humble Bundle. http://ow.ly/cYs130iN6n4

Everybody wants an NFT! Get yours today athttp://www.StarStyleCommunity.com

DIRECT LINKS

Positive Results: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/positive-results

About Us: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/about_us

Programs: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/programs

How to Help: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/how-to-help

Blog: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/blog-1

Events: http://www.bethestaryouare.org/events

Contact us: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/contact

Make a DONATION through PAYPAL GIVING FUND and PAYPAL with 100% going to BTSYA with NO FEES: https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504

Top Rated non Profit

https://www.guidestar.org/profile/94-333388 and https://greatnonprofits.org/org/be-the-star-you-are-in

BE THE STAR YOU ARE!® is proud to be honored as a TOP NON PROFIT for numerous consecutive years.

We THANK YOU for making that happen!

Rejoice like the angels and celebrate love.

Season’s Warmest Greetings!

Speak your love! Speak it again!

Be the Star You Are!® 501 c3 charity

PO Box 376

Moraga, California

94556

https://www.BetheSTARYouAre.org

http://www.BTSYA.org

Share StarStyle® Empowerment

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

Posted by

presspass on December 14, 2020

Empowerment

MIRACLE MOMENT®

“The darker the night sky, the brighter the stars!” Cynthia Brian

MESSAGE FROM CYNTHIA BRIAN, Founder/Executive Director

When the world went on pandemic lock-down in March, most people thought it would be over by fall. It is December holiday season and here in California we are once again on mandated lock-down to shelter-in-place until January 4th, 2021. I’ve reframed the concept into celebrating the HOLLY-DAZE!

For the past ten years, my extended family has gathered for several days at my son’s family home in beautiful Lake Tahoe to celebrate a white Christmas. It’s a magical time of baking, cooking, laughing, singing, skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, snowman making, ice skating, caroling, camaraderie, storytelling, hot-tubbing, and celebrating the love of family and friends. On the eve of Christmas, Santa arrives bringing gifts for all of us who have been good girls and boys. We all cherish this time and look forward to it annually.

This year, we all remain home for the holidays. As much as my husband and I will miss being with our children and others, it is the right thing to do in an effort to arrest this vicious virus. Although people probably won’t be arrested for breaking the rules, we want to do our part to keep everyone safe.

Until the last few months, I rarely shopped online. Since the pandemic, I have been happily amazed at how simple and efficient online shopping has been, in addition to keeping us safer. Since gift-giving is a holiday tradition, I want to recommend the sites I’m using. Each gives a small percentage of every sale to Be the Star You Are!® charity while offering the consumer discounts and bonus gifts.

I just used Giving Assistant (:https://givingassistant.org/np#be-the-star-you-are-inc) to order my favorite face cream. After typing in “Olay” in the search box, I was redirected to the Olay website. Once I chose the products I wanted, the app “Honey”, found discounts, and I received free shipping. Everything arrived in a few days without me leaving the house. I needed batteries for my solar lights, and Amazon Smile (https://smile.amazon.com/ch/94-3333882) had exactly what I needed when the local hardware store didn’t. I’m now a fan of online shopping. It’s great to be able to shop and give back to charity at the same time. So look below for places to do your online-shopping while making a difference. It’s a win/win.

If you have wanted to buy any of our signature books, now is the BEST time to do so as besides the personalization and normal extra goodies we offer, you will be given a FREE bonus inspirational music CD by a renowned artist. Visit https://CynthiaBrian.com/online-store to order today.

For hundreds of discounted new books by authors you love, visit our Be the Star You Are!® Amazon store at ttps://www.amazon.com/shops/be_the_star_you_are_charity

Find your joy and shine your light on others in these dark days. I am more grateful than ever to be alive and for having health, family, friends, and a home in which to celebrate Christmas.

Sending love, peace, health, and healing to you during this blessed holiday season.

Shine brightly with gratitude!

Welcome the HOLLY-DAZE and make a gingerbread village!

Cynthia Brian

Founder/Executive Director

Be the Star You Are!®

PO Box 376

Moraga, California 94556

Cynthia@BetheStarYouAre.org

https://www.BetheStarYouAre.org

http://www.BTSYA.org

DONATE: https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504

RECOMMENDED HOLLY-DAZE ONLINE SHOPPING!

To avoid exposure to coronavirus in stores, shop on-line. We have a dozen suggestions for you to shop, save, and stay safe while supporting Be the Star You Are!. Most are offering major discounts or sales. for all of your shopping essentials.

1. AmazonSmile donates .5% of purchases https://smile.amazon.com/ch/94-3333882

2. Discounted books at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shops/be_the_star_you_are_charity

3. Giving Assistant: Shop. Earn. Give! Use Giving Assistant to earn cash at 3500+ popular online stores :https://givingassistant.org/np#be-the-star-you-are-inc

4. Stock up on autographed, first edition books from our StarStyle® store and we will include extra goodies with your order. Plus, through the holidays we are including a complimentary CD of beautiful, relaxing music to help you decompress. https://www.CynthiaBrian.com/online-store.

5. Are you a gamer, lover of new software, or other digital content? Buy all of your favorites at Humble Bundle. http://ow.ly/cYs130iN6n4

6. Modern Nursery: https://bit.ly/2WQv7lJ

High-end furniture and decor for the new baby in the house!

7. Abba Patio: https://bit.ly/3eXTJPV

Quality gardening products including umbrellas canopies, gazebos, hammocks, furniture, and more.

8. Botanical Interests: https://bit.ly/39spMXe

Seeds and botanical art. Free garden coloring book and other downloads.

9.Fifth Room: https://bit.ly/2D4ymPL

Beautiful structures and furniture for

outdoor and indoor living including gazebos, pergolas, bridges, sunrooms, pool houses, and more.

10.Nature Hills: https://bit.ly/301ZgAV

Extensive selection of plants, seeds, bulbs, and garden accessories plus trees, shrubs, and perennials.

11.Sunnydaze: https://bit.ly/3bpr1rb

Fountains, fire pits, hammocks, outdoor furniture, garden gnomes, and accessories with FREE shipping.

12. SunBasket: https://bit.ly/2DipPsT

Healthy meal service delivery with fresh, organic ingredients. Eat clean. Feel Great!

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

by Jessica Wayda

As the holidays approach, I sit here and realize that this year has been crazy. Between the kids being forced to be in remote school all year and the world seeming to fall apart, I remind myself that even though things are not the greatest right now, things could be worse. My family and I have a tradition every year that we put up our decorations, we turn on our little gas fireplace and we watch Santa Claus movies with hot cocoa, this tradition is something that we have done since my kids were little and just have always continued it. Even though the world is full of unknowns, jobs are hard to come by and kids are forced to live lives that they are not used to, we need to remember to lean on each other as friends, family and a community. We need to know that no matter what there is so much good and love in this world and that we will get through this together! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all. – Jess

Jessica Wayda, a volunteer with Be the Star You Are!®, loves volunteering for causes that make a positive difference in the world, and wants everyone to know that although the road may seem tough, know that this holiday season we are here together.

THOUSANDS OF BOOK REVIEWS FOR TOTS TO TEENS

When you are seeking a great book for young readers, check out the thousands of book reviews at our literacy partner, The Reading Tub. Be the Star You Are! volunteers read and write honest, first person reviews with recommendations for similar books. The amazing Executive Director, Terry Doherty, double-checks every submission for accuracy and authenticity. https://thereadingtub.org/books/be-the-star-you-are/

A CUP OF KINDNESS

by Karen Kitchel

‘Tis the season to be kind. What’s in your cup?

Little Rosie had no money, so she “borrowed” a beautiful handkerchief from her mother’s purse and carefully wrapped it in bright tissue paper to give to her mama on Christmas morning. That gift was never forgotten.

The value of a gift is the thought that goes into it. The gifts we tend to remember are those which are wrapped with love.

A gift you might give yourself this season could be a cupful of kindness spilled on anonymous receivers.

Karen Kitchel who penned two chapters in the book, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World, is the Kindness Coordinator volunteer with BTSYA. She serves meals to the homeless and is a volunteer teacher, writer, job coach, and mentor. www.scatteringkindness.com

EDU_TAINMENT WITH BE THE STAR YOU ARE! RADIO

LIVE on Wednesdays from 4-5pm PT, be entertained, informed, amused, and educated on StarStyle-Be the Star You Are!. Then be inspired and motivated on

Sundays from 3-4pm PT, it’s Express Yourself! Teen Radio with our Be the Star You Are! star teen hosts.

You’ll meet authors, actors, artists, activists, musicians, poets, scientists, educators, and other creatives. Enjoy the HOLLY-DAZE radio parties on the Voice America Network Empowerment Channel or wherever you like to listen.

Visit https://www.StarStyleRadio.com for our line-up of guests.

LINKS YOU CAN USE

Positive Results: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/positive-results

About Us: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/about_us

Programs: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/programs

How to Help: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/how-to-help

Blog: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/blog-1

GREAT NON PROFITS REVIEWS: https://greatnonprofits.org/org/be-the-star-you-are-inc

GUIDESTAR/CANDID: https://www.guidestar.org/profile/94-3333882

We invite you to volunteer, get involved, or make a donation. Make a DONATION through PAYPAL GIVING FUND and PAYPAL with 100% going to BTSYA with NO FEES:

https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504

STAY SAFE, ENJOY THE HOLIDAYS, STAY HOME

We appreciate you and send all healthy and happy wishes to you and your loved ones. Thank you for your ongoing support.

Joyful Wishes and Dreams for a Blessed Season!

Be the Star You Are!

PO Box 376

Moraga, Ca. 94556

www.BetheStarYouAre.org

www.BTSYA.org

Wonders of Cambodia and Vietnam

Posted by

Editor on January 5, 2018

Empowerment

A fascinating, rewarding, and multilayered adventure as Cynthia Brian travels to two of the most beautiful, historic and friendly places in all of Asia–dynamic Vietnam and pastoral Cambodia

Intriguing studies in contrast, each country possesses its own unique charm and social traditions, its own tragic history and complex past.

From Hanoi, to Siem Riep, Angkor Wat, the Mekong Delta, and Ho Chi Minh City, Cynthia Brian provides a colorful tale of adventure, surprises, sadness, genocide, forgiveness, and recovery as she meets the people and visits the places where the past and present collide in the heat and humidity of jungles, both tropical and concrete.

Welcome to the 19^th radio broadcasting anniversary of StarStyle-Be the Star You Are! with producer and host, Cynthia Brian.

Listen at https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/104019/19th-anniversary-of-btsya-special-with-the-timeless-wonders-of-cambodia

#StartWithaSmile at smile.amazon.com/ch/94-3333882 . Amazon donates to Be The Star You Are, Inc..

Read our BTSYA November Newsletter: http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/672296/162802256b/288055965/bbd34d3431/

When you are looking for upbeat, life-changing, and mind stretching information, you have come to the right place. Host Cynthia Brian takes you on a journey of exploration that will encourage, inspire, and motivate you to make positive changes that offer life enhancing results. It’s party time on StarStyle®-Be the Star You Are!®. And YOU are invited! Join us LIVE 4-5pm Pt on Wednesdays or tune in to the archives at your leisure. Come play in StarStyle Country.

Help with Hurricane & Fire Relief: http://www.bethestaryouare.org/copy-of-operation-hurricane-disaste

Catch up with all broadcasts on ITunes:

Buy books by Cynthia Brian at http://www.cynthiabrian.com/online-store

For photos, descriptions, links, archives, and more, visit http://www.cynthiabrian.com/online-store

Fasten Your Seatbelts, You’re In For The Ride of Your Life

Posted by

Editor on November 17, 2014

7th Wave

Fasten Your Seatbelts, You’re In For The Ride of Your Life

This week we had Jim Self on Conscious Conversations with Joan and Janet. Because we’re in the Thanksgiving-Christmas-Hannukah-Kwanzaa season, we chose the topic of Abundance.

Because we were all playing in Consciousness, the topic expanded beyond anything you could imagine!

We are at a time where change can be instantaneous, and thoughts can manifest very quickly. It doesn’t need to take effort, it doesn’t need to take years. You don’t have to suffer or “pay your dues”.

It is now easier than ever to release pain and misery. We’re actually birthing ourselves out of density and into a lighter, brighter and more expansive reality.

I’m noticing that as I’m doing this, intense “stuff” comes up. Gremlin voices, negative, doubting, thoughts. Fear and even terror arise from nowhere. Deep, deep grief and mourning.

I believe I’m not only clearing my own “slush funds” but I’m moving through the collective pools of these energies. Humanity has contributed to these morphic fields for millennia. We are losing aspects of our identities. We are mourning the loss. We are fearful that there’s nothing beyond it. We may die without our pain and compulsions.

It’s a major spiritual remodel, to release these limitations. Walls need to come down, in order to expand the container.

When you view things from body/personality, all you see is a demolished house. When you view things as Consciousness, you see a vibrational villa.

Bring your awareness back from the past. Allow your memories to be archived, release your regrets. Bring your awareness back from the future. Drop your fears of the unknown and fictional fantasies of disaster.

Bring your thoughts from all the places your attention has been, bring your energy back into your head.

Bring your focus into the present moment. Into your body. Into your breath. Center into yourself. Feel your feet on the floor, and your body sitting in your chair.

When you are in the present moment, you have choices. In Present Time you can feel yourself as Consciousness. As Consciousness, you *are* Abundance.

This week, for the next 7 days, try this as a meditation or just a quiet moment to breathe. You’ll be amazed at how quickly your life will transform!

Rev. Joan M. Newcomb, CPC is a Conscious Mastery Coach and the Co-Host of Conscious Conversations with Joan and Janet on Voice America’s 7th Wave. Listen live on Wednesdays at 3pm Pacific, 6pm Eastern and 11pm UTC!