Congratulations, Baltimore Ravens! Super Bowl Champs!

15 Ways To Keep A Relationship Working!

Keep God foremost in the relationship and you will have something great going for you!  Yes, I received this as an email but it has a lot of true statements that are very positive.  This represents Real Love, not faking it.

Isn't She Lovely!!!

Such a beautiful young lady!!!

Inauguration and Dr. M. L. King's Day Celebration!



It was a lovely day and time for the Inauguration and the Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday, Monday, January 21. Dr. King would have been 83 years old had he lived. Yesterday was a beautiful time when most of us dropped our political differences and animosity towards each other and came together for support of our country. I said most of us because there were still shootings and death and negativity taking place. What we saw on the TV, heard or even being there in Washington were about positive and forward progress. The President’s speech was in line with Dr. King’s about freedom, equal rights and treatment. It was apparent to me that the President was mindful and respectful of Dr. King’s day and stayed in line with Dr. King’s commitment to all people. The day was not about him but the country. A large cross-section of America was there to show their excitement and support to prove it!  The Brooklyn Choir, Kelly Clarkson, and Beyonce could sing.

I thought that Myrlie Evers-Williams, the widow of Medgar Evers, a slain civil rights leader from the 60’s, deliver a wonderful, soul-searching presidential invocation.  “I'm so honored to be asked to do this and it's so important that it comes at a time when the nation will look at Medgar and others who died doing that that 50-year period, it's just critically important,” said Ms. Evers-Williams. This comes 50 years after her husband Medgar Evers, an NAACP Mississippi field secretary, was shot and killed in the driveway of their home. It also happens to fall on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, marking two important anniversaries in the fight for civil rights.

I found this article researching and thought that despite the animosity, you still can’t keep a good man down. This article was written by Frederick Douglass, in 1865.

In 1865 upon the White House Grounds: I had for some time looked upon myself as a man, but now in this multitude of the elite of the land, I felt myself a man among men. This comfortable assurance was not of long duration, for on reaching the White House front door, two policemen stationed there took me rudely by the arm and ordered me to stand back, for their directions were to admit no persons of my color. Once in the battle, I did not think it well to submit to repulse. I told the officers I was quite sure there must be some mistake, for no such order could have emanated from President Lincoln; and that if he knew I was at the door he would desire my admission. To put an end to the parley, since we were obstructing the doorway and not easily pushed aside, they assumed an air of politeness and offered to conduct me in. We followed their lead and soon found ourselves walking some planks out of a window, which had been arranged as a temporary passage for the exit of visitors. We halted as soon as we saw the trick, and I said to the officers: “You have deceived me. I shall not go out of this building until I see President Lincoln.” At this moment a gentleman who was passing in recognized me, and I said to him: “Be so kind as to say to Mr. Lincoln that Frederick Douglass is detained by officers at the door.” It was not long before Mrs. Dorsey and I walked into the spacious East Room, amid a scene of elegance. Mr. Lincoln stood in his grand simplicity. Recognizing me, even before I reached him, “Here comes my friend Douglass.” Taking me by the hand, he said, “I am glad to see you. I saw you in the crowd today, listening to my inaugural address; how did you like it?” I said, “Mr. Lincoln, I must not detain you with my opinion, when there are thousands waiting to shake hands with you.” “No, no,” he said, “you must stop a little, Douglass; there is no man in the country whose opinion I value more than yours. I want to know what you think of it.” It came out that the officers at the White House had received no orders from Mr. Lincoln, or from anyone else. They were simply complying with an old custom, the outgrowth of Slavery, as dogs will sometimes rub their necks, long after their collars are removed.

Sir Frederick Douglass

When Will The Intolerance End?



A t-shirt depicting President Obama as a “witch doctor” stealing medicine via his Affordable Care Act, found its way to a South Carolina Tea Party convention.



Is another civil war what these people want?  They don’t want big government but they will take big government’s money and help.  We can be selfish and greedy when it comes to getting something for ourselves.  We forget how we got because someone and/or something helped us to get it.  Why haven’t we heard from the tea party people during the Bush era?  President Obama just doesn’t fit the script.  As Colin Powell admitted that there is “a dark vein of intolerance” in the Republican Party.  There are still some members of the GOP that still looks down on minorities.  They can not and will not accept change.  They have a narrow outlook like others in our nation that they can not accept anyone who does not look like them.  And some of these are people in powerful positions that will do anything to keep progress from moving forward.  They will even go to great lengths to destroy this great country we live in.  Fortunately, these groups of people are the minority and the ones that truly care for the future on this country are on the side of right.

God Is Preparing Something Better For You!!!

I borrowed the below email for its message.  I don't know who wrote it but I feel that it is something that we all can use when going through personal trials.  Give glory to God!  He knows what we need even when we are not sure of what we want!

God Is Doing A Work In You......................There are two things you can count on as you walk with God: tribulation that works for you, and grace that enables you to stand while you're going through it. Have you been praying for patience? Get ready for tribulation; there no other way to get it! Patience only grows in the soil of adversity. The truth is, some of the people you can't stand right now are the very ones who will mature you spiritually and get you to your destiny. God said: "Moab is my washbasin" (Ps 60:8,NIV). Moab was a troublesome next-door neighbor who drove Israel crazy. But such people can also drive us closer to God! So, who's your washbasin? Who brings out the worst in you? Who drives you to your knees? Who stretches your faith? Who develops your character? The problem is, we pray for certain things but God has a process; only as we get to know Him better do we begin to recognize it. Here's how it works: you ask God for strength and He allows you to go through struggles that develop you. You ask him for wisdom and you get to deal with messy situations that have no easy solutions. You ask Him for success and He give you ability to work and wisdom to produce. You ask Him for favor and you get responsibility. (Then you want to run from it.) There's a work going on in you right now! You may not be fully aware of it, but without it you'll never be qualified to handle what God has in mind.

Invisible Driver Prank!

This prank driver video makes you think even though it might be funny to see people's reaction.  What would you do?

Forever Jones Bio and Webpage



Forever Jones



Here is a short Bio.  Click on the Forever Jones to hear and read more! I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!  I used a capital F but they are known by the small f in forever Jones.

With Musical Revival the 7-member, family band known simply as forever JONES continues their mission to declare the spirit of worship, the message of the Gospel, and the essence of family through their artistry. The 11-song album, written entirely by the Jones family and produced by Keith Thomas is filled with the diverse influences of Pop, Gospel, Rock, and Urban, unified by a seamless thread of Worship.

The sonically ambitious project marks the next phase in the evolution of the group, who stepped boldly onto the national stage in 2010 with their critically and commercially acclaimed debut Get Ready. Featuring the #1 hit “He Wants It All,” that album earned a GRAMMY® nomination, while winning a Stellar Award for Best Contemporary Group along with three Dove Award nominations, including the prestigious New Artist of the Year.

You Can Do Anything – Forever Jones!

You Are Welcome Here (Live) – Forever Jones!

Heaven (Live) – Forever Jones!

He Wants It All (Live) – Forever Jones!

Break Every Chain – Tasha Cobbs!

I Still Have A Praise Inside Of Me – Georgia Mass Choir!

Despite it all, we are still here!!!

Indescribable - Kierra Sheard!

We are witnesses to His Almighty Glory!  Praise be to you, Lord God!

Now That The Holidays Are Behind Us, Now What?

I pray that everyone had a blessed and wonderful holidays these past weeks.  We lost some loved ones and gain some new ones.  We cried over our friends and family that will forever miss sharing special occasions with us.  We thought about the mistakes and successes we had and still we are here!  The new year is like fresh snow, we make our own tracks, but this time, let's take them towards God.  In other words, we can do what is right, we can make the right choices, we can include Him in all of our decisions and we can thank Him everyday about the many blessings we take for granted.  We would not be here either celebrating and rejoices or being bitter and angry over our own choices without God's love and mercy.  I pray that you all have a successful season in developing a relationship with the Lord.

John Preached The Good News To The People! Luke 3:10-18

This below essay was written in this past Sunday’s Bulletin, December 16, 2016.

You get a sense of how hungry people are for a prophet when you read John’s advice to the crowds. He says very simple, obvious things. Share with the needy. Do not cheat. Do not throw your weight around. And people are ready to call him “messiah.”

In our time, people are still aching to be saved by some great leader. Dozens of contemporary gurus off their books, seminars and communes to people looking for salvation from themselves and the world that disappoints. The new gurus say simple things: Do not eat too much junk; be nice; go for a walk in the woods; and do not worry, the aliens will save us. And many are ready and eager to follow. Unlike the new gurus, however, John the Baptist was not interested in being proclaimed their fearless leader. He pointed immediately to the one who was to come, and humbled himself. What a strange thing to do with power, to lay it down.

John was, of course, anticipating a real messiah who would do the same. We call this good news, the way of surrendering power in order to be lifted up. We have a goal beyond good rules for livi8ng, as we follow this leader. Not mere good advice, but redemption from all that kills.

Become a messenger of joy. Turn your anxieties into fervent prayer, and leave them with God. Reflect on your faith, and write down what you really believe. Practice witnessing to your faith with your words and your confidence. Joy is a sure sign of the presence of God’s Spirit.

Taken from “God’s Word is Alive”
Permission granted from Alice Camille

Thanksgiving Dinner

Thanksgiving Dinner 2012, Franklin, NC

The third Community Thanksgiving Dinner, held at Louisburg College, was the place to be for food, fellowship and fun thanks to A Blessing, Inc., the group that operates soup kitchens in the county the rest of the year. But on Thanksgiving, it takes Pilgrims, turkeys, a few dedicated cooks — and lots of hard work. When Joyce Green-McLeod of Louisburg volunteered to help with the Community Thanksgiving Dinner put on annually by A Blessing Inc., she spared no effort. In fact, she greeted guests at the cafeteria door at Louisburg College with a hearty “Happy Thanksgiving” while wearing Pilgrim-century inspired dress.

(Joyce and Joy are dressed alike.)
 

God Bless You This Thanksgiving Day!!!

Thanksgiving should be celebrated every day! Don’t you think! Do we wait until a certain day of the year to show our appreciation towards God and family? Is this day so special that we set it on the same level with Mothers’ and Fathers’ Days? Thanksgiving Day is so special that it requires a day off from work! And we all like to have those holidays off, don’t we? Even though there will be working on the holiday because it is the bottom line that many companies view more importantly. We should be thankful that we are working. There are so many people who are not employed and are not looking for handouts. But they are still thankful for being alive. We have roofs over our heads and food on our tables while there are millions in this world that have neither home nor food. There are people suffering from all kinds of abuse yet are still able to smile and make the best of what they have, surviving…living… Survivors of catastrophes are still thankful even though they lost everything they had except their lives. I say all of this because we do lose focus when we take what we do and get for granted. And when it becomes routine, we just complain why anything should disrupt us from our routine lives. We truly forget at times that God is always in control and we should be thankful at all times for the many blessings he has given us. I am not talking about the material things that we have to show off but the things no one can see or know except God and you. Look inwardly, my brothers and sisters, what are you faced with and how do you deal with it? How are you physically, mentally, and spiritually? What are your strengths and weaknesses? Can you compare them to someone who is handicapped, in the hospital, in a hospice? Do we forget to thank the Lord when we wake up each morning, see our love ones, get to and from our destinations, enjoy laughter and even crying? Our loved ones are no longer here to share our holidays with us but shouldn’t we be thankful that the times we had with them were fruitful? Shouldn’t we be thankful for the time with them? Thanksgiving isn’t just a day to eat our favorite meals, watch TV, and be around our family and friends. It is a day to recognize just how loving God is allowing us to have the benefit of sharing our lives with others. That love and mercy He gives us should be recognized throughout the year by us being compassionate, caring, patient, and tolerant towards others. What God has blessed us with, He can remove. He should be first in our lives, always. My thanksgiving message to you is enjoy your time with the people in your lives. Be patient and loving towards them. Appreciate them and think of pleasant things. Don’t let anyone still your joy. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. (Psalm 107)

My Boss Prayed With Me Today!

I can’t recall ever joining with any of my bosses for prayer since I started working at an early age but I did today. We all know that the devil is seeking to steal our joy, well, he tried to steal mine. I was in a great mood this morning but heard some unsettling news about how a co-worker was being treated. I could feel the negative reaction coming and decided that I will not give the devil the benefit of taking mine. My boss is a spiritual person, one who doesn’t mind praising God in front of people and admitting that Christ is his Lord and Savior. So, I went to him and asked that he pray for me because I was under attack. Without hesitation, he stood, bowed his head, and led us in pray. This may sound corny to some of you but to me, that burden of negativity was lifted. Prayer is more powerful than we think and I believe that without it, many more of us would be left for the buzzards. I appreciate what my boss did, because he didn’t have to do it. Real Christians are like that, they know that God is in control and will fight the enemy whenever and wherever it rears it head.  Remember: We pray for each other always.

The More Things Change, The More They Remain The Same!

http://www.floatingsheep.org/2012/11/mapping-racist-tweets-in-response-to.html

Why is there such a major problem to the GOPers that we lost the election? It doesn’t seem that hard to understand to me. The party did not accept the fact that they did not care about the real facts. They are simply exclusive and did not seek the minority or women vote and appeared to care less. They wanted more white men and use their ace in the hole, voter suppression. Rush Limbaugh, Fox News and company seemed to tell our representatives what to do instead of truly representing all Americans. Grover Norquist put the party politicians in jeopardy by having them take an oath not to raise taxes. Karl Rove could not pull a Lee Atwater even with the millions of dollars contributed towards the campaign. The billionaires could not buy this election even though these folks have been used to buying and getting what they want with the money they are blessed with. But no one will accept the blame instead point their fingers and make excuses. The majorities of Americans are tired of this foolishness and want to move forward. Foolishness will outlive you. Top GOP leaders were proud to make this President a one term President. The divisiveness within the country went as far back as the OJ trials where the media pushed for racial polarity. Lies from both sides smeared this election but some were just unbelievable and the American people did not accept it. The irony that I saw was the audacity used by GOPers to say that minorities are voting for the President because he is black. Although many white people voted for Romney because he is white. But that was okay, for them. Another difference that I saw was Romney was selling snake oil, we were suppose to buy it but not test it until he was in office then we would see the actual effects. And we were supposed to trust him? Most people buy things because they know what they are getting and trust an informative salesperson. As a former CEO, he would know this. But after this election, the hate tweets and comments cried out. Trump wants a revolution, some Ole Miss students rioting, Ted Nugent and Chuck Norris declaring the end of America is at hand. What are these people thinking? What parallel universe are they living in? They don’t even live around us regular people. I found the above map browsing the news. I need to take a break from this stuff. The good news is that there are a lot of good people out here. It’s time the media acknowledge the good that Americans are doing instead of making money off of the bad news.

Happy Veterans Day!

Your Setback Is A Setup For A Comeback!

Congratulations, Mr. President and America!

The Winner Is The Nation!

President Barack Obama was re-elected despite the disrespect and obstacles set before him.  The obstinate neocons determined that they would make this President a one term President was undermined by the American people who voted for continuation of the program President Obama started.  The economy is on the way up and I wonder who would take the credit for it.  This is also such a sad time that America has to face the reality that racism is alive and well.  Please don’t patronize me by saying that you have a problem with his policies.  And don’t use Rush, Glenn, or Shawn biased words.  I will give you an example why I used racism.  A fellow of a different appearance that works in the same building that I work in would always in passing speak to me throughout the year.  It was always a polite greeting.  But this morning, he walked right by me as if I didn’t exist.  No, I did not speak out and there is no excuse.  I wanted to analyze the situation.  He did not know what political affiliation that I belonged to.  Most of my co-workers and friends know that I’ve been a Republican for 40 years.  But what I saw was an angry white man who looked at my color and assumed that because I am Black, I must be a Democrat and voted for the four more years for the President.  He’s partially correct, I did vote for the President but not because he is Black or biracial.  I voted for him because he has been consistent throughout his campaign.  Governor Romney never defined to me what he was going to do for the middle class.  We heard his various speeches appealing to different groups people.  He was like a chameleon as far as I was concerned.  Romney was selling me something but he wasn’t showing me anything.  What these extreme political pundits have done is succeeding to polarize this great nation.  They don’t really love this country as a whole.  They love the benefits of getting wealthy off the hatemongers.  The GOP has forgotten the people who are suffering because of social and economic issues.   Look around you.  Nooses around this man’s effigies, blatant phrases of “need more angry white men”, and white people are now the minority.  Ole Miss even had a riot protesting the presidential results.  What do we want for the citizens of America?  We can buy more guns and they can still wind up in the wrong hands.  We can still continue drinking from the poison well of negative voices and still fake that we are Christians.  Or we can return to the most important commandments that Christ said: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.  This the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.  All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.  Matthew 22:37-40.

Pray For Me – Anthony Hamilton

The Day Before Election!!!

I wanted you to remember that we all still have the right to vote!  Exercise that privilege tomorrow because one way or another, our nation will change!

Somebody Told The Truth!!!

Bob Cesca said, "Republicans Filibuster Everything, Romney Blames Obama for Not Working With Congress" in an article for the Huffington Post. "From the very beginning, congressional Republicans fell into lockstep with Rush Limbaugh and the collective wish for the Obama presidency to fail. Limbaugh set the table several days before the inauguration."  Tell it like it is, Bob.  The Republicans simply will not work with the President and make that very clear. Seems like a lot of people have forgotten that.  We must remember that the far right consider themselves true Patriots looking out for Americans and their interests.  Evidently, they just support our Veterans in words only because their actions do not. Our Veterans are losing their lives for this country weekly if not daily.  These so called real Americans voted against H.R. 466 - Wounded Veteran Job Security Act, H.R. 1168 - Veterans Retraining Act, H.R. 1171 - Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program Reauthorization, H.R. 1293 - Disabled Veterans Home Improvement and Structural Alteration Grant Increase Act, S.3457 - Veterans Jobs Corps Act, and S. 3816 - Creating American Jobs and Ending Offshoring Act.  Bills that the President wanted to pass.  So much for our Veterans.  The money these billionaires are contributing to the campaigns are enough to pay for them without costing the country any money.  Again, I wonder why so many people can't see through this hypocrisy.  Shameful!  November 6, 2012, will be here very shortly.  We must use common sense, people, vote wisely!  Here's an another opportunity to make history!

Rest In Peace, Lenard Pinckney!

The funeral service for Mr. Lenard "Lee" Pinckney, 59, of 124 Bottlebrush Road, North, will be noon Thursday, October 25, 2012, at St. Peter A.M.E. Church, 954 Bull Swamp Road, North, with the presiding elder of the Wateree District, Rev. Barbara Chislom, officiating. Burial will follow in First Baptist Church Cemetery in St. Matthews. Mr. Lenard, who was the son of the late Mr. William and Mrs. Geneva Matthews Pinckney, passed away Friday, October 19, 2012. Survivors include his wife, Bernice "Bee" Pinckney, and son, Jermaine Leonard Pinckney.

In - William McDowell

We stand at your door, O Lord, in need of your grace and mercy!  Help us, O Lord, we don't have anyone else to turn to but You!  We smile on the outside, but no one knows but you, the suffering that is inside each of us!  Don't abandon us, Lord!  We need you now more than ever!

I Belong To You - William McDowell - Arise

Not Everyone Will Share Your Happy!

Many years ago, a friend of mine told me that she was engaged and showed me her ring that same day. She was extremely happy and excited while she showing it to me. I asked her if he loved her more than me. Oh, yeah, I failed to mention that I wanted more from her than just friendship. She knew how I felt but it was more important how she felt towards her fiancée. She shrugged it off and said, “Aren’t you happy for me?” In a way, I was but in another way, I accepted the fact that I lost the battle. I saw my friend being whisked away and no longer being a part of my life anymore. I wasn’t ready to immediately share her Happy. I saw my Happy being taken away. How selfish is that? They didn’t get married, but I wasn’t happy about it. I had gotten over the fact this man had made her happy and now she’s sad because of this guy. Instead of taking advantage of her vulnerability, I set out to become her best friend and she became mine. Over the years, we have shared our ups and downs and are able to talk about anything and everything that has happened in our lives with the sincerest trust and confidentiality. We are best friends and in any relationship that I may be involved in, it is important to me that I be honest enough to share that info with the new person. She shares my Happy. Let’s be clear we are not having an affair, we are on a level that transcends pettiness. When I told her about meeting the new woman in my life, even if it has only been three weeks, she shared my Happy. My new friend is secure with herself not to be concerned over small matters. We take things one day at a time and have been through our share of disappointments. It’s amazing that I got the opposite feelings from another female friend who started trashing men and simply being wrong with her accusations. Yet, she gave no sign to me that she wanted anything more than just being a friend. Even though, she never had the time to do anything with me, she was always too busy. It’s perplexing, but not everyone will want to share your Happy. This is life! We don’t know how we’ll react until we face adversity.

Lead Me - Sanctus Real

Sometimes we get caught up in this “busy” life chasing our dreams that we forget what is really important to us. There is nothing wrong striving to achieve our dreams, we all want a productive comfortable life, and we will sacrifice to get it. Sometimes we forget who is important to us on our way to reach those goals. The person facing us, now distrusts us, and we won’t back down because we’re feeling disrespected and misunderstood. Where did we go wrong? More importantly, what are we going to do about it? We loved them for a reason, we need it find it, grab it, and keep it. Is it worth it to lose the best thing you ever had?

Why This Man?



Praying For Our President

Frederick Douglas

Can anyone man up and admit the truth?  Why is this current President of the United States disrespected so much?  Even past Presidents’ whose policies were the opposite of the majority weren’t treated this bad.  Is there an inherent emotion among some people that when threaten, resort to animosity and hostility towards anyone that doesn’t look like them? Can it be that racial tolerance extends only to those who follows, not lead?  This is the first time in the history of this country that a man of color, albeit biracial, was elected President among world leaders. Could Frederick Douglas be right when he said, “Though the colored man is no longer subject to barter and sale, he is surrounded by an adverse settlement which fetters all his movements. In his downward course he meets with no resistance, but his course upward is resented and resisted at every step of his progress. If he comes in ignorance, rags and wretchedness he conforms to the popular belief of his character, and in that character he is welcome; but if he shall come as a gentleman, a scholar and a statesman, he is hailed as a contradiction to the national faith concerning his race, and his coming is resented as impudence. In one case he may provoke contempt and derision, but in the other he is an affront to pride and provokes malice.” September 25, 1883.  It’s offensive to me when I hear that America is past racism just because a Black President was elected.  It is ignorant to believe that the caustic and divisive language used towards him is not just against his policies.  Some would have you believe that the national debt is the issue.  It’s apparent that no one is willing to tell the truth that “this guy” doesn’t belong here.  Colin Powell knew even when asked years ago to run that there is a section in our country that despises people of color and they yell the loudest.  Another Frederick Douglas quote was, "I would unite with anybody to do right and with nobody to do wrong." Are we united to save the country or united to destroy the country at whose expense?  Who is willing to stand up and admit the truth?

Waited All My Life - Raul Midon

Many times we don't accept that special moment when it happens.  We look for something explosive and breath taking.  Both are short term effects that when wears off, was nothing like the initial reaction.  In other words, we fall for the wrappings but not the contents.  Beautiful things come in plain brown paper.  They come as they are and last a lifetime. The truly beautiful won't need the glitter and glitz to hide who they really are.  They have a spiritual connection that separates them from the charades that we are often times fooled by.  If we're lucky enough we will know the next time what we've been waiting for.  We've all had those moments when what we dreamed of or anticipated arrives only to discover its more than we ever expected and its makes us nervous and unsure, but the beauty is it reminds us our humanity and constant desire we all share to be loved and to be happy.  I am eternally grateful that we chose to share a moment with each other.

Two Weeks!!!

We made two weeks so far and no major glitches!  Thank you, Lord!

New Season – Israel Houghton!

The New Normal!!!

What is acceptable to one group of people can be unacceptable to another. Does this make them abnormal? If I thought on a different level about God and you thought on another level about Him, are we normal or abnormal? But if we had a revelation along the way that took us out of our old comfort zone and found peace in a new one, then we could agree that our different methods could yield the same results. We could both say that we reached a “New Normal.” A place now where we can learn to slow down and take life one day at time, enjoying each moment and appreciating the people around us and the time that we have with them. When you forgive, you lay the burden at God’s feet. Anger and bitterness are intangible but still heavy enough that you can feel. “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30). Unforgiveness is baggage that affects all areas of our lives except the person you will not forgive. That person will go on while you stagnant and ignore the blessings that pass you by. I got the expression “New Normal” from a friend who experienced her share of rejections and hurts. But her spiritual relationship with God propelled her to a higher dimension that she learned to be patient and tolerant of others. Don’t misunderstand me, she will not put up with mess, yet she won’t be judgmental. One other thing, she will not be labeled, categorized, defined or stuck in anybody’s box. She knows what she wants and what it will take. Her goal is doing what is right in the sight of God. The “New Normal” is becoming a better person that will submit to the Will of God. The “New Normal” is treating all people with patience, respect and seeing that flicker of light (hope) that is in all of us. The “New Normal” is standing strong in the face of adversity and knowing that you are the conqueror. The “New Normal” will have many descriptions for each of us who are willing to step forward out of “what was” towards “what is.” That is being better men and women. I, for one, will stand beside her in this “New Normal.” “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6).

He Heals Me (Live) - India Arie & Idan Raichel

India is using her blessings wisely by sharing her God-given talents with the world. The comment below says it all. Real Love can make you feel that good. 
"I love this song.. When you find someone who you are willing to spend your life with & give all your love too, Keeping no walls up @ all, Someone you can trust with your heart & feelings, Someone who makes your heart beat even when your not around @ that moment but you can still feel the love from them more & more blowing over your heart... We have such a wonderful time when we're together... All he does is HEALS me... Thats Love & I am so thankful for him :~}"

News Flash!

This is an imitation of a news flash from Edgar R. Murrow, a famous newscaster from the 30s and 40's. Try to imagine it anyway. “This is South Carolina! My sources just gave me the rundown on a certain young couple that seems to be marinating over their future together. Their names will remain anonymous since I don't have all the facts.  Seems like the young man is already head over heals for her constant energy, sincere positive attitude and consistent spiritual development. Considering my sources that haven’t been reliable in the past, this information deserves a more critical view. I've heard that the young couple’s mantra is, ‘Take it one day at a time’. Not much to go on that, folks. Further details to follow in months to come. This is Edgar R. Murrow signing off.  Good night and good luck.”

Republican Voter Registration Fraud?

Allegedly.  Say it isn’t so?  Especially, not in Florida!  The same place some said that the 2000 Presidential Election was stolen because of the Chad counts.  Remember the controversial acts of the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) in 2008?  Obama was running for President.   The Republicans demanded that all federal funding be withdrawn due to ACORN's widespread voter registration fraud.  Of course they tried to connect Obama to it but that didn’t work.  Negative publicity was brought in by James O’Keefe and Hannah Giles, two conservative activists, playing pimp and prostitute secretly recorded and videotaped conversations with some ACORN employees that was portrayed as criminal activity.  The Government Accounting Office cleared the employees and the federal funding was managed appropriated, but it was too late.  The deception and selective editing of the tapes was so damaging that ACORN had shut down by 2010.  Hence, the beginning of the Voter ID movement. Now the Republicans are doing the same thing and they weren’t set up!  Nathan Sproul, who runs the GOP consulting firm in Florida, said, "No matter what quality controls you have there are always going to be bad actors in any large scale operation."   A few bad apples?    ACORN was not any different, wait a minute, yes they were.  You know the answer.

How Well Are You Sowing Your Garden?

The Apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 6:12,” For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”  It’s hard to remember this when you’re in the middle of a heated argument trying to prove your point.  We get overwhelmed such that we become blind to the person in front of us.  The person I see in front of me is the flesh I’m arguing with but it is also the same person I fell in love with.  Doubt and fear allowed negativity to enter into our love.  Evil divided what we had.  I believe strife can be avoided if you really try. The question is commitment.  Who are we committed to?  To ourselves or to our relationships?  Paul also said in Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.“  Relationships are what we make of them.  I compare them to gardening.  Some people are able to cultivate theirs into healthy gardens.  They sow their seeds in the right location with the right lighting, patiently nurturing them, spending time with them, and guiding them as they grow.  They keep them watered and clip away weeds that will choke them.  An apple tree by name is just a tree until it produces apples.  There are some people that are jealous of how well your garden is but they could have taken the time to take care of their own.  Not many opportunities come along that we can get a second chance.  And if an opportunity does come around, take it, and consider it a blessing.  Take time for the one you love, sow your seeds with divine grace, water it with the Holy Spirit, and keep your love in the light of God’s Precious Love.

I'm Gonna Be Ready - Yolanda Adams

A fresh Spring Breeze started my day off with this song! Thank God for April in the Fall!  Prepare my mind and prepare my heart for your blessing, O Lord!  You know what's best for me!!!

Optimize the Positive and Explore the Possibilities!!

Have you ever taken that leap of faith, stepping out of your comfort zone, and risking it all on something you never tried?  Has fear ever held you back from something that you wanted to do but was afraid of failing?  Did being afraid of being rejected, unaccepted, and unworthy make you stay back from being blessed?  We’ve all been there and most of would rather stay where we are in life.  Our relationships and friendships failed and disappointed us.  The scars left more than deep reminders, they changed our lives and our views of people and the world.  We believed that we failed.  It didn’t matter if we accumulated a lot of material stuff to prove that we accomplished our goals, many people still aren’t happy.  Negativity shut us down and we began to draw and associate that kind of mess around us.  When we look back, we mostly see the bad that happened to us and forget that a lot of good things happened, too!  We didn’t seem to learn much from it to move forward. Well, pick yourselves up!  We dwelt in the valley long enough.  It’s time to forgive and forget and climb the mountain!  It’s not easy to forgive and climb.  We can write a book on how bad our lives have been, but I’d rather write about where we can be!  We got to accentuate the positive and fight the negative spirits.  How do we do it?  We go before the throne boldly and ask in faith for help.  We make the most of what we got!  I’ve rejected my blessings long enough.  I’m going to take that chance.  I won’t rush blindly into it but I sure will give it my best!  We’ll see where this new path will take me.  I wish you all the same positive adventure!  We’ll pray for each other in the process.

Just To Keep You Satisfied - Marvin Gaye

Sunday was Fantastic and I Found Spring in the Fall! On The Elevator Ride That Changed My Life!

This past Sunday morning, September 23, 2012, I picked up my Godmother so that we can go to Mass together. We had lunch afterwards.  I needed to talk to her for advice and the changes I made in my life.  We had a great conversation and I did get some excellent advice that only wisdom and experience can offer.  After lunch we went for a ride through the city and looked at the sights.  It was a wonderful time.  My Godmother is in her 90s and she gets around better than a lot of younger folks.  My blessing is that she’s been a part of my life ever since I was a child. I had learned some accurate philosophies from her that still stands true to this day.  She is now the matriarch in my world.  We spent the better part of the day together and after I got her back home, I headed for the elevator when a young lady asked if I was going down.  I won’t go into the details but April & I talked in the parking lot for almost 2 ½ hours!  She was visiting an elderly uncle in the same building!  What I found interesting and stimulating was how positive and enthusiastic she was.  I was struck at the end of our conversation with her well defined explanation of how a marriage should be when built on a true relationship with God.  Bottom line, I was impressed, I learned a lot from April.  Yes, Sunday was filled with memories, opportunities and thought-provoking concepts.  It was a wonderful day!  Thank you, Lord!

Jon Stewart - The Daily Show!!

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This is What The Candidate Said…Back in 1998!

Since the candidate Obama spoke about redistribution, in 1998, Mitt and FOX News can withhold a few words to get the conversation to their level of greed and deceit. I guess they prefer to fool American people in believing that two wrongs can make it right. 

Candidate Obama said: "I think the trick is figuring out how do we structure government systems that pool resources and hence facilitate some redistribution because I actually believe in redistribution, at least at a certain level to make sure that everybody's got a shot. How do we pool resources at the same time as we decentralize delivery systems in ways that both foster competition, can work in the marketplace, and can foster innovation at the local level and can be tailored to particular communities".

Interesting to hear that he said everybody's got a shot, an opportunity to contribute to the greater good! You won't hear that part on FAUX News, the unfair and bias news network. That would be nice to see community pride besides the Hamptons and other playgrounds for the rich and famous. Don't get me wrong, I'm not angry with them at all. They earned what they got, just allow others an equal chance instead of putting roadblocks in the way. I suppose if they would block the President of the United States, common folks don't have a chance.



This Is What Romney Said in May, 2012!

The question doesn't just stop at, who will lead us to a better United States, but who will be the President for all of the people!  Mitt in a secret fundraiser had a lot to say about the people in America that doesn't live the way he does.  We all do not have the same opportunities, but that doesn't make us bad people.  We struggle to put roofs over our heads and provide for our families, too!  Many of us just don't have the benefit of having large inheritances left from someone who had others to help build their wealth.  Somebody had to buy their products and somebody had to make them.  Anyway...

An excerpt from Mr. Romney:  "There are 47 percent of the people who will vote for the president no matter what. All right, there are 47 percent who are with him, who are dependent upon government, who believe that they are victims, who believe the government has a responsibility to care for them, who believe that they are entitled to health care, to food, to housing, to you-name-it. That that’s an entitlement. And the government should give it to them. And they will vote for this president no matter what. And I mean, the president starts off with 48, 49, he starts off with a huge number.

These are people who pay no income tax. Forty-seven percent of Americans pay no income tax. So our message of low taxes doesn’t connect. So he’ll be out there talking about tax cuts for the rich. I mean, that’s what they sell every four years. And so my job is not to worry about those people.

I’ll never convince them they should take personal responsibility and care for their lives. What I have to do is convince the 5 to 10 percent in the center that are independents, that are thoughtful, that look at voting one way or the other depending upon in some cases emotion, whether they like the guy or not".

Take Me To The King – Tamela Mann

These songs are dedicated to those of us that are still struggling with this journey we’re on. Be of good courage, my brothers and sisters, stay in your faith.

God Bless The USA - Lee Greenwood!