I'm Still Here by The William Brothers

Thank You, Ladies!

Last week was Thanksgiving and some of us spent it alone without the people we care about.  Life takes us on rollercoaster rides all of the time and some of those times we want to get off.  But, most of the time we stay on to see where we end up.  It’s up to us how we hold on.  We must focus on the positive and seek encouragement and give encouragement to each other.  I want to give a big blessing request to Ms. Corine Bennett & Ms. Miriam Anthony, two of the sweetest, wisest, and dearest ladies, you’d be blessed to know.  Ms. B. invited me over last Sunday for dinner for just the two of us.  She left me a phone message and told me be at her home for dinner.  It wasn’t an order but still a subtle command as a godmother who expects her godson to show up without any questions.  And without any questions, I went.   I sincerely enjoyed our Thanksgiving together.  Ms. A., a wonderful practicing Catholic and lady, baked me my favorite rum cake.  She sent it via her daughter but I really expected a slice.  I would have never guessed that it was a whole cake.  There have been many blessings that I have received from God and many of them were unexpected.  Nevertheless, I am sincerely grateful for all of them.  I still ride the rollercoaster as we all will do, but when I feel like I might be losing control, I just reach out as Peter to touch the hand of Jesus.

Have No Fear, God Will See You Through!

It's pretty simple.  Trust in the Lord, be faithful and patient through troubling times, and God will take you to the next level.  Be thankful and appreciate what you have!

Happy Thanksgiving!

We all tend to forget at times how blessed we are!  We take for granted God's awesome blessings such as sight, sound, smelling, hearing, and touching.  There are so many people without any of these functions and yet we still whine about the situation we're in.  Most of the time, we forget that we are where God wants us to be and until we put our total faith in Him, we will always remain the same.  So many of our friends and family has left this world and we do mourn for them.  But there are others still here suffering much worse than we can even fathom.  Let's be thankful for at least one day and appreciate what God has given us.  This Thanksgiving let's be patient, kind, and understanding towards our loved ones and each other, past and present.  Cherish these precious moments with them and appreciate them.  We may not have that opportunity again.  I wish you all a bless and wonderful day of thanks.  I hope you'll remember to try to continue the days after towards each other in respect and civility.

Nobody Greater by Vashawn Mitchell

Happy Veterans Day!

It seemed like a few months ago that I wrote about Veterans Day, even though a year has passed by that fast.  I attended the parade again this year and it was even bigger and longer.  The little school kids chanted USA, USA, USA, everytime they saw men and women in uniforms pass them by.  The combat veterans, POWs, and the former soldiers in wheelchairs got loud claps and cheers.  Yes, soldiers who took the long trek rode in their wheel chairs because they were proud of what they gave up for this country.  There are many others who are still sacrificing and giving up so much for what they believe in.  We as American citizens owe these men and women much more than just parades.  We should get on the horn and tell our representatives in politics to get out of these unnecessary wars.  So many of these wars are making a lot of money for the fat cats at the expense of these proud, fighting soldiers.  Let us never forget that so many gave some, but some gave all.  Many of these soldiers might be home but they left their souls in another land.  And some, never came back home.  Keep these courageous men and women in your prayers.  Never forget!

Rest In Peace, Bo!

Ginger & Bo

The Hood - Ros, Odis, LaShaune, Ginger, Major Stewart

Rev. Exell Patterson, Bo or Bubba to his friends and family, went to his heavenly home last Wednesday, November 5, 2010.  He was born in 1952.  Bo was a big and tall man, who had the temperament of a grizzly when needed but the disposition of a teddy bear.   He was married to Ginger, a wonderful, kind former co-worker of ours.  Ginger is a founder and permanent member of "The Hood."  She hit some rough bumps but Bo was always by her side.  Currently, she is on dialysis and Bo was her caretaker and knight.  Bo was a loving husband, father and friend; well respected throughout the community.  He truly was an example of how a husband should love and respect his wife and family.  He will surely be missed.  Our prayers are with Ginger and her family.