Another First!

We all have firsts in our lives. First word, first steps, first kiss and first love. You get the message. We can go on and on even outside of our lives to historical moments, etc. My first Christmas without my mother was years ago, now it's without my brother. Yes, I'm sad but I'm not the only person who has a list of firsts. So, this Christmas, let's look back and cherish the moments with our loved ones or the people we loved and be grateful for them, Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

I get these inspirations most of the time. Some are really thought provoking and some are tear jerkers. I don’t know who wrote this but it’s a good story! This is truly another Christmas Story!

Thank you, Stephanie, you never stopped sending me these after all these years! I am grateful!

Two Babies in a Manger

It was nearing the holiday season in 1994, and it was time for our orphans to hear, for the first time, the traditional story of Christmas. We told them about Mary and Joseph arriving in Bethlehem. Finding no room in the inn, the couple went to a stable, where the baby Jesus was born and placed in a manger.

Throughout the story, the children and orphanage staff sat in amazement as they listened. Some sat on the edges of their stools, trying to grasp every word. Completing the story, we gave the children three small pieces of cardboard to make a crude manger. Each child was given a small paper square, cut from yellow napkins I had brought with me.  No colored paper was available in the city.

Following instructions, the children tore the paper and carefully laid strips in the manger for straw. Small squares of flannel, cut from a worn-out nightgown a lady had given us, were used for the baby's blanket. A doll-like baby was cut from the felt we had brought from the United States. The orphans were busy assembling their manger as I walked among them to see if they needed any help.

All went well until I got to one table where little Misha sat. He looked to be about 6 years old and had finished his project. As I looked at the little boy's manger, I was startled to see not one, but two babies in the manger. Quickly, I called for the translator to ask the lad why there were two babies in the manger. Crossing his arms in front of him and looking at this completed manger scene, the child began to repeat the story very seriously. For such a young boy, who had only heard the Christmas story once, he related the happenings accurately - until he came to the part where Mary put the baby Jesus in the manger.

Then Misha started to ad-lib. He made up his own ending to the story as he said, "And when Maria laid the baby in the manger, Jesus looked at me and asked me if I had a place to stay.  I told him I have no mamma and I have no papa, so I don't have any place to stay. Then Jesus told me I could stay with him. But I told him I couldn't, because I didn't have a gift to give him like everybody else did.  But I wanted to stay with Jesus so much, so I thought about what I had that maybe I could use for a gift. I thought maybe if I kept him warm, that would be a good gift. So I asked Jesus, ‘If I keep you warm, will that be a good enough gift?’ And Jesus told me, ‘If you keep me warm, that will be the best gift anybody ever gave me.’ So I got into the manger, and then Jesus looked at me and he told me I could stay with him—for always."

As little Misha finished his story, his eyes brimmed full of tears that splashed down his little cheeks. Putting his hand over his face, his head dropped to the table and his shoulders shook as he sobbed and sobbed.  The little orphan had found someone who would never abandon nor abuse him, someone who would stay with him - FOR ALWAYS.

Jesus came so that we could be His children – for always.

Unknown Writer

Happy Birthday, Sagittarians!

Especially, Nana, Judy, Charliss, Mae, Hazel, Leslie, Carolyn, Bobby, Cindy, Chris, Jean, Vivian and many others I have forgotten to mention and have moved on. God bless you!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Cherish the moments with the people you care about.

God's Pie

Rest in Peace, Officer Stacy Case! End of Watch, November 7, 2015!

Stacy Case had been with the Columbia Police Department a little over four years, but had a previous 15-year career in the U.S. Army as a military police officer, where she was a veteran of the Iraq War.  She received several awards while serving her country, including the Iraq Campaign Medal with two campaign stars, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Award, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, and a Good Conduct Award.  She died in a car collision answering the call of duty. 

Rest In Peace, Mrs. Annie B. Coulter!

The funeral service for Mrs. Annie Bell Coulter, 99, of North, will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, 2015, at St. Mark United Methodist Church, North, with Dr. Thomas J. Bowman Sr. officiating. Burial will follow in St. Mark United Methodist Church East Cemetery. Such a blessing! God bless you and the family, LT!

Friends?

I took a shortcut today through a residential community and passed a former co-worker’s home.  I noticed a For Sale sign on the front lawn and men working on the home. She had risen through the ranks and moved to bigger and better opportunities in DC.  We never became good friends but we have held a few serious conversations at one time or another. She passed away a few years ago from cancer. She was a wonderful person but some might disagree.

I mentioned this to say that the few people we do consider friends, we don’t tell them enough how we appreciate them. I, personally, have that problem. I've always questioned myself why I don’t let people get close to me. It’s not the hurt that I’m concerned about, we’ve all been hurt. My concern is the loss of someone in my life that I care about. It’s draining so I build my walls.  When people care about me, I am reluctant to reciprocate. So, it’s easier to distance myself. It may be selfish. While I’m avoiding being hurt, I end up hurting them. Yeah, I’m a piece of work.

So, I move on without any explanations and accept the blames against me. I’m getting better but tell that to the others that I have already offended. My sincere apologies.

Happy birthday, Mom!

Thank you, Lord, for the time you gave us!

The Refugee Question!

Pope Francis, this past week was in Washington, DC, where he spoke to Congress and the United Nations in New York on climate change and immigration. This weekend, he is heading to the city of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia, PA. He has been full tilt since he left Italy.

Let me say right now that the tales of refugees are being put in place right now. How, you might say? One group of politicians wants to shut down immigration and another want to keep the US doors open. Keeping the doors open comes with a price. Who are the doors being opened to? Who needs to be kept out? It could be to a lot of people who don't fit America's descriptions.

The tales spinning have begun. A conservative from upstate South Carolina stated on her FB page that, “According to the FBI, these refugees cannot be vetted. Refugee status means these people will be immediately entitled to a huge array of benefits … that our most vulnerable citizens, including women and children at risk, need.” I have heard already through various discussions that the refugees will not assimilate to the US but intend to change the US to a Muslim nation. True or false, only time will tell.

And the President will be still be blamed for all the bad things that happen.

h

Mission or Position?

Which is more important?

An Open Letter To My Baby Brother, 1954-2015!

March 2, 1954 - July 24, 2015

We got you back home, Austin. It’s been a challenging two weeks for us but even tougher for you and the years of suffering. You played it off with me as long as you could but the pain would not let you hide it any longer. I am so grateful that the children saw you in those last days. It wasn’t easy for them then and it definitely was not any better at your celebration. You have some beautiful children and I always thought you were so blessed to have them. You have a son that favors you and a daughter that favors her mother.  And a wife that is loyal and supportive. I found that so awesome! There is so much to be thankful for.

You would have been proud. Unity Mortuary conducted it with class and dignity. It was a fantastic tribute and the Colonel oversaw all of the details. I know, I have always called Melinda; Colonel. It was meant to respect for her rank. As you know, I am very proud of her for her military achievements and her soon to have doctorate. I never meant it to sound impersonal by not calling her Melinda. I enjoy calling her colonel. She provided the pictures for a slide show that included the family, you and mom. I saw a side of you that I never knew. I guess we both are private people and keep our feelings suppressed for fear of reprisals. I still have a tough time letting people in. I also know that we are both stubborn individuals. You never got a chance to meet April.

Devin and Melinda read some beautiful poems and Teria got up to stand beside Devin when he started to fill up with tears and struggled to go on. But he got it together. It was a beautiful tribute. Speaking of Teria, that young lady can truly sing. As you, mom and Nana look down on us with prayer, you will see her rise to fame. She has a lovely voice and that song she sang brought tears, shouts and thunderous clapping. It’s called “Hope You Can Dance.” Gladys Knight sang it in the “Family That Preys.” Lee Ann Womack sings it, too! Another song that stood out was “I Look To You” by Whitney.

Tia and your grands, Michale, Calim and I forgot the name of the oldest, made it. I had not seen her over 20+ years. I still recognized her as she, too, favors her mother. I told them all at the celebration that I will call them at least once a month to stay in better contact. I can’t be responsible for waiting to see our family during grieving situations. I need to also keep in touch when things are well. Our cousin Robert has always been that person. I mailed Aunts Babb and Dot the program.

It still hasn’t dawned on me that you and I can’t talk or disagree anymore. The movie “Kingdom Come” is on and I can’t help but think of us when we were kids and became adults. I am so grateful (blessed) that we reconciled last year but deep inside I am feeling the loss. When mom left, the world took on a different view, now there’s another view and it’s getting better how I view it. It’s hard for me to let go, Austin, it’s really tough. I couldn’t truly cry until 3 months after mom and I think it was a TV commercial that triggered it.

I have so much to talk about but even if you were around, I probably would not even think about it. I wonder why when people are gone from our lives we are ready to talk but not always knowing what to talk about?

The kids kept some of your ashes for their rings and bracelets. They spread the rest over the lake and Anderson. Jewelry that holds loved ones remains, never knew that. I’m getting old. I’m glad you’re back home, You will always be my baby brother, Austin. I love you!

The Flag is Down, July 10, 2015!

The Confederate Flag is Coming Down in South Carolina!

Yes, the law was passed after a long night of contentious discussion. For once a serious racial dialogue took place in the hallowed chambers of our state capital. The Civil War has been over but there were still some fighting. This battle was won between two opposing forces, heritage and pride, hate and fear, black and white, old and young and republican and democrat. It had to take the lost of innocent lives, specifically, nine, including one of their own to change the hearts and minds of the old guard. Amazingly, from the exact two three weeks of the Emanuel Nine deaths, the South Carolina legislature joined together to take down the Confederate Flag. To some it was a symbol of heritage but to many it was used as a symbol of fear and hate. The battle might have been won but the war will continue in the minds of many who will use excuses not to move forward but to remain in the past. A special thanks goes to the many who supported and orchestrated this historical change. God bless South Carolina and the United States!

9 Deaths, 9 Funerals, 1 Million Tears!

3 men and 6 women from 26 to 87 years of age shot down in the middle of worship. A place where it was thought to be safe for all, a House of God. Our prayers are with the Charleston Community, the National Community and the World Community! It is so very tragic that people still hate each other. Pray, brothers and sisters, pray! How much more will it take for us all to come together?

And The Buzz This Time Is ...!

I don’t hear much in the news about Miley Cyrus’s opinion relating neither being a boy or girl. Whatever sexuality she claims, it’s her business. But the big news buzz is about Rachel Dolezal, the current NAACP chapter president in Spokane, Wash., who was exposed for pretending to be a black woman. And this is news because a white person pretends to be black! Any news about any black person pretending to be white? How about a gay person pretending to be straight? I don’t have time for that. People tend to lean towards gossiping about other folks business but what about events that are affecting them now? Is the media even concerned about wars, jobs, health care, government obstruction, income disparity, racial inequality and cyber theft? Roadways and bridges are unsafe and are deteriorating and racial relations seem to be going backwards. The homeless population is growing and more veterans are committing suicide every day! Who will help these groups of people? These topics are just a few but they are much more important than worrying about what people believe about themselves.

Happy Memorial Day!

Thank you to those who have served our country and to the many more that supported, encouraged and lost those that did! Stay loving and proud!

William McDowell - In

Bishop Leonard Scott Lord You Reign

Happy Mother's Day!

I miss you, mom! To you remaining Queens, enjoy your day!

UNISOGHN!

Get to know the people you work with, you would be surprised of their talents and capabilities. I found out that I work with a celebrity today. Terrance G with United Sons of God Harmonizing Naturally (UNISOGHN), , who opened for the legends like Robert Flack, Jerry Butler and the like, humbly and quietly works along us. Like I said in previous posts, you really don't know a person until you actually get to know them.

UNISOGHN Opening for Jerry Butler!

Opening for the Legend, Mr. Jerry Butler!

Joyce Meyer Conference, Columbia, SC - April 10, 2015!

Joyce Meyers

Matt Redman and Christy Nockels

Change to Transform - "Change can initially be frightening but eventually refreshing." Yes, there is a blessing in the process. Be more excited about where you are than be discouraged about how far you are. If we keep the faith and go through Jesus Christ, our converter to His Father, we will be a lot better off. I enjoyed seeing and hearing Joyce at the conference.

Thoughts for Holy Week!

Praise, Jeers, Denial, Silence, Death and Return! One moment Christ is being praised at his entrance to the city and there is celebration. Fast forward, He is jeered and an innocent life traded for a murderer’s. His closest confidante denies him. Christ answers his accusers with silence, is crucified and returns!

How many times have we all been through these dramas? We might not have physically died but we lost what we had due to some wrongful accusations and hit rock bottom.  Some of us, by the grace of God and His divine destiny for us, came back.

Let us all take some time to reflect on what happened during the days before Resurrection Day!

Bring Your Burdens to God!

Last week was like being in a sandstorm. My environment seemed to change each moment of the day. From good news to sadness, discouraging to encouraging and all other mixed emotions.Each day had its own theme. Each time I took my hand out of God’s I was being swept away by the powerful wind of anxiety. I do not know how many times I wept, but I knew what it was about. And during those times, I kept praising and thanking God for His mercy. Living is not easy but life could still be a lot worse to us. We all go through something, good and bad and we get through it. We are here to see another day and we should rejoice and be glad in it. When the dust started settling and I thought I was falling, God held me up. I am still standing and I announce publicly thank you Lord! He never left me. Even though I am still in a storm, I can see in front of me. The walk by faith and not by sight is taking some time to get used to but I will. I am learning not to get distracted from taking my eyes off the Lord by looking at the stormy waters. I am learning to reach out my hand for His even when things seem alright. I constantly remind myself how many times God has saved me with miracles and mercy. By His grace I make it through the storms. I have a mission and His Will be done. It has already been rewarding.

Rest In Peace, Mr. Spencer!

Mr. Spencer had a wonderful life in 90+ years. He will truly be missed!

Rest In Peace!

The world lost Leonard Nimoy (The original Star Trek's Dr. Spock) and Anthony Mason (Former New York Knicks Basketball Power Player). Spock, 83, died of complications from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) at his Bel-Air home. Anthony Mason, 48, died of a massive heart attack. There were many others this past week that was known to someone. God grant them all peace.

Happy Valentine's Day!

What is God’s Will For Me Today?!

I just started saying that yesterday morning and I hope it will be my daily mantra for the rest of my life. It’s a strong statement but one I pray that I will never forget. So far, it has helped me get through some rough times in my service with those who are less fortunate. I have always tried to be in control of myself but get frustrated whenever things do not go my way. This can be stressful at times but foolish all of the time. I have been given a powerful gift and I am afraid of it. This walk with God is supposed to be a confidence builder and a faith healing process. But the more I see in others I realize how small I really am. God is working through me and I am just catching on.

When you lose control, you get impatient, frustrated and temperamental. I noticed that I was having good days, better days and draining days. The draining days were the times I allowed the negativity from the environment to pull the joy out of me. Notice that I said allowed. I started reviewing the differences in the days and to be honest with myself, I found that they all had their equal share of drama, intensity and compassion. I had no control over any of them. The only differences were none of the situations had a set schedule and time. My revelation was hearing that voice that told me that it was never my will but His Will that will be done. The Lord’s Prayer says it all, “Thy Will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

Life’s Lessons!

We all know or have learned the various lessons life has taught us. Each of us has our own story to tell. The stories we tell have made an impact to us. I have seen grown men lose their homes after 46 years because they missed one year paying property taxes. The major issue: The owner was in the hospital and tried to notify the authorities. It did not matter. People that you would not expect are dealt harsh blows such as architects, businessmen, pilots and other professionals learned that no one will be excluded from learning some tough lessons. I would say that none of us would expect such things to happen to us, maybe to others, but not to us. But, whatever does happen, we have to go with it.  I’m reminded of when Jesus told Peter, Andrew, John and James to follow him. They left something behind. What did we leave behind and would we if we did not have to? We all have similar fears and doubts. We are not as different as we think.

Cory Vaughn Williams – June 6, 1974 – December 25, 2014

Cory Vaughn Williams COLUMBIA Cory Vaughn Williams, 40, of Columbia, husband of Rebecca Wicker Williams, passed away Thursday, December 25, 2014. He was born June 6, 1974, in Bronx, NY, a son of Adolphus F. Williams, Sr. and Faye Smith. He was an IT Specialist. Surviving, in addition to his wife and parents, are two daughters, Gabrielle and Kyra Williams; three sisters, Leslie Scott, Adriene Chisolm, and Alexis Chambers; and his brother, Adolphus F. Williams, Jr. The family will be holding a Life Celebration service on Saturday, January 3, 2015, from 2 p.m. 5 p.m. to be held at Stone River located at 121 Alexander Road in West Columbia (formerly New Orleans Restaurant). Remembrances will begin at 2:30 p.m.

There is never a good time for sorrow. Tragedy can occur anywhere at any time to anyone. The grief occurs to those most affected by the loss of their loved ones. I was asked this weekend to attend the celebration of a beloved son, husband, father and friend by a very close family of mine. I considered it a privilege and honor. I broke contact with some good people because of my own selfish purposes. I regretted what I did. But, in a remarkable way God worked out things for His good. Not only was I invited but while there to say a brief prayer of celebration! I did all I could not to overextend my celebratory prayer of life about Cory. God calls us to do certain works. He puts people along our paths to share our walks in life with each other at certain times for certain reasons that we may never know. Hopefully, we were able to learn from the experience. Some people dwell on the future of the journey instead of the present and miss the moments. This particular family focused on the moments and in return they have a bright future, mainly due to the matriarch who raised her children with love and fairness as foundations and passed on to the grandchildren. She was stern and fair but taught them respect, pride and self-esteem. Indeed, nothing was impossible for them to achieve. She deserves all the blessings she receives. It was also a time to see old friends and family. Sometimes, it takes it takes a tragedy to bring people back together. Cory will surely be missed.

Merry Christmas!!!

Happy Birthday, Sis!

Foolishness of Pride!

I constantly pray to guard my tongue, heart, thoughts and soul to be careful of what I say not to offend others. I want to be treated the way I treat others. I do not always get the same treatment but I still try. I think I am in some control of my emotions but that is foolishness on my part. I am not always in control and my pride still gets the better of me. Pride lets you be stupid at the moment and then humiliates you later. Quoting Forrest Gump’s mother, “Stupid is as stupid does.” I have to pray unceasingly not to let the foolishness of pride take control. The sad part of pride allows others to take control of you. Be wary, my friend, stay alert at all times.

Obama Africanus the First - by Geoffrey R. Stone

Things to question

Obama Africanus the First

Geoffrey R. Stone 

Edward H. Levi Distinguished Service Professor of Law, University of Chicago

I've been thinking lately about the persistently vituperative and insulting attacks on President Obama since 2008. It is, of course, commonplace in American politics for presidents to be lambasted for their policies, their programs, their values, and even their personal quirks. Sometimes the tone crosses the line. John Adams was accused by a political opponent of "swallowing up" every "consideration of the public welfare ... in a continual grasp for power." James Madison was demeaned as "Little Jemmy," because he was short. James Buchanan, who once declared that workers should get by on a dime a day, came to be mocked as "Ten Cents Jimmy."

John Tyler, who assumed the presidency after the death of William Henry Harrison, was ridiculed as "His Accidency." Congressman Abraham Lincoln castigated President James K. Polk as a "completely bewildered man." Opponents of Woodrow Wilson's reinstitution of the draft in World War I accused him of "committing a sin against humanity." Critics of Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal attacked him as an "un-American radical." Richard Nixon was famously known as "Tricky Dick," and of course he was not "A Crook." At the height of the Vietnam War, Lyndon Johnson was excoriated by his opponents as a "Murderer" and a "War Criminal."

But no president in our nation's history has ever been castigated, condemned, mocked, insulted, derided, and degraded on a scale even close to the constantly ugly attacks on President Obama. From the day he assumed office -- indeed, even before he assumed office -- he was subjected to unprecedented insults in often the most hateful terms.

He has been accused of being born in Kenya, of being a "secret Muslim," of being complicit with the Muslim Brotherhood, of wearing a ring bearing a secret verse from the Koran, of having once been a Black Panther, of refusing to recite the pledge of allegiance, of seeking to confiscate all guns, of lying about just about everything he has ever said, ranging from Benghazi to the Affordable Care Act to immigration, of faking bin Laden's death, and of funding his campaigns with drug money. It goes on and on and on. Even the President's family is treated by his political enemies with disrespect and disdain.

If one browses even respectable websites, one can readily find bumper stickers, coffee cups, and tee-shirts for sale with such messages as: "Dump This Turd" (with an image of President Obama); "Coward! You Left Them To Die in Benghazi" (with an image of President Obama); "Somewhere in Kenya A Village Is Missing Its Idiot" (with an image of President Obama); "Islam's Trojan Horse" (with an image of President Obama); "Pure Evil" (with an image of President Obama); "I'm Not A Racist: I Hate His White Half Too" (with an image of President Obama); "He Lies!" (with an image of President Obama); and on and on and on.

Now, don't get me wrong. Every one of these messages is protected by the First Amendment, and people have a right to express their views, even in harsh, offensive, cruel, and moronic ways. We the People do not need to trust or admire our leaders, and we should not treat them with respect if we don't feel they deserve our respect. But the sheer vituperation directed at this President goes beyond any rational opposition and is, quite frankly, mind-boggling.

In part, of course, this might just be a product of our times. Perhaps the quality of our public discourse has sunk so low that any public official must now expect such treatment. Perhaps any president elected in 2008 would have been greeted with similar scorn and disdain. But, to be honest, that seems unlikely.

Of course, there are those who say that this phenomenon is due in part, perhaps in large part, to the fact that President Obama is African-American. But surely racism is dead in America today, right?

One fact that might lend some credence to the theory that racism has something to do with the tenor of the attacks on President Obama is that only one other president in our history has been the target of similar (though more subdued) personal attacks.

In his day, this president was castigated by the press and his political opponents as a "liar," a "despot," a "usurper," a "thief," a "monster," a "perjurer," an "ignoramus," a "swindler," a "tyrant," a "fiend," a "coward," a "buffoon," a "butcher," a "pirate," a "devil," and a "king." He was charged with being "cunning," "thickheaded," "heartless," "filthy," and "fanatical." He was accused of behaving "like a thief in the night," of being "the miserable tool of traitors and rebels," and of being "adrift on a current of racial fanaticism." He was labeled by his enemies "Abraham Africanus the First."

But, of course, race had nothing to do with it then, either.

Thanks in All Things!

In our seasons of challenges and adversities, let us find some time in our world of busyness to give thanks to the Almighty Father. There are people in our communities with only the clothes on their backs still able to smile to others who sometimes frown on them. Show your gratefulness by being kind and patient with others not only during this holiday season but throughout the year. Happy Thanksgiving!

RIP, Colonel Anna Amos!

Happy Veterans Day!

Happy Birthday, Momma!

I miss you!

November 4, 2014, Please Vote!

If you complain about the system, do something about it, vote! Your vote does count. It will make a difference!

Women at Heart!

Valerie Burton, Columbia  Metropolitan Convention Center, September 20, 2014

Valerie Burton was in Columbia this weekend as the keynote speaker at the Women at Heart event. It was a free heart health forum and exhibition. Valorie is a life coach, author, and motivational speaker. She is also the founder of the Coaching and Positive Psychology Institute (CaPP). Even though we never met, our paths ran parallel because of her family and mine. My mother spoke very highly of Valerie. If Valerie is anything like her mom she is a beautiful person. I would like for you when you have the time to read some of her books and follow her web page.  She is very encouraging and inspirational. Thanks 'DV' for the picture!

Joe Sample - Old Places, Old Faces!!

Legendary pianist Joe Sample, who
was known for pushing the boundaries of jazz music, passed away Friday night in
his hometown of Houston
at the age of 75, his family announced on Facebook. The keyboardist, who
collaborated with artists like Miles Davis, B.B. King, Marvin Gaye and Steely
Dan, was best known as the founder of the Crusaders, a quartet that popularized
a soulful, funky sound in the 1960s and ’70s. Rest in Peace!

Cece Winans - More Than What I Wanted

Thank you!

We see miracles happen everyday but we do not notice them until they affect us or someone close to us.  I want to take the time to say thank you to Mr. & Mrs. Bates for being a miracle.  To God be the glory! God bless you and be with you, always!

Prayers in Time of Sickness!

Prayer in Time of Sickness

O Jesus, You suffered and died for us; You understand suffering;  Teach _(Name)_ to understand _(His/Her)_ suffering as You do; To bear it in union with You; To offer it with You to atone for _(His/Her)_ sins and to bring Your grace to souls in need. alm _(His/Her)_ fears;  increase _(His/Her)_ trust. May _(His/Her)_  gladly accept Your holy will and become more like You in trial. If it be Your will, restore _(His/Her)_ to health so that _(His/Her) may Work for Your honor and glory and the salvation of all men. Amen.

Mary, help of the sick, pray for me.

*** You may use this pray for others. If praying for yourself; (Name) and (His/Her) can be substituted with (Me).

Prayer for the Sick

Dear Jesus, Divine Physician and Healer of the Sick, we turn to You in this time of illness. O dearest Comforter of the Troubled, alleviate our worry and sorrow with Your gentle love, and grant us the grace and strength to accept this burden. Dear God, we place our worries in Your hands. We place our sick under Your care and humbly ask that You restore Your servant to health again. Above all, grant us the grace to acknowledge your holy will and know that whatsoever You do, You do for the love of us.  Amen                                         

Source: A Collection of Favorite Prayers

*NEW* Marvin Winans - Draw me Close to You / Thy Will be Done

What Am I Supposed To Do Now, Lord?

What are we supposed to do when we go through adversity?  We seek God’s answer through prayers and supplications but we still do not hear from Him. It seems the more time we give, the longer we wait.  I know that it is God’s timing not my own but I can not help it since I think worldly.  I also know for a fact that God has not brought me this far to leave me now.  When we get too comfortable we do not want to change.  In fact, in our comfort zones, we take things for granted and when you take things for granted you do not miss them until they are gone.  When we face a crisis, we tend to look at the crisis instead of looking at God who is bigger than our crisis. Sometimes we do not see the good in things because we are concentrating on the bad. We lose sleep, weight, cry and get depressed when something in our lives change from what we were used to.

In 2 Chronicles 20, King Jehoshaphat realized that he was about to face three armies and the odds were three against one.  Jehoshaphat realized his helplessness in the midst of this crisis. Fear gripped him because he knew that he could not stand against this united force. This great multitude was more than he could handle. He openly declares this to the Lord, "For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us" 2 Chronicles 20:12. He recognized that he was helpless in this midst of this crisis. He acknowledged that he could not deal with this crisis on his own.  Jehoshaphat accepted the fact that he was helpless and nothing in his own power could change it.

This sense of helplessness compelled him to pray, "And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah." 2 Chronicles 20:3. He prayed because of his helplessness. And he did not mouth a superficial prayer. He prayed with intensity in this crisis. The text says that he "set himself to seek the Lord." He then proclaimed a fast. This fasting would only intensify his praying. He poured his heart out to God because He knew that only God could help. The root of this intense praying is his helplessness. That is why it is crucial to realize our helplessness in the midst of the crisis. The acknowledgment of our helplessness will drive us to pray. It will motivate us to seek the Lord and depend on Him for His strength, His solutions, and His direction. Helplessness is not a hindrance to prayer. It is actually a help to seeking God. Let our helplessness drive us to seek God. We cannot handle the crises of our lives and that we must pray as we face them and grow through them.

Our response to a crisis is often to find a solution. We try and work it out on our own to relieve the pain. Sometimes our pride makes us think that we can handle the crisis. Yet, our first response to a crisis should be to commit to seeking the Lord. The commitment of our heart must be, "Lord, I don’t know what to do, but my eyes are fixed on You." Our commitment must be to pray and wait on the Lord. There are times that God will answer us immediately in the midst of a crisis. Then, there are other times when God’s answer comes later. We live in an age of fast food, drive-through banking, and instant communication. We are used to instant gratification. As a child of God, we will be required to seek Him and wait on Him and His timing. Sometimes we will have to seek Him intensely and wait for Him. Jesus said, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7.

Jehoshaphat praised God in the midst of his crisis. He put his confidence in the greatness of God not in the power of man.  We need to do the same, concentrate on God’s character and love for us.  Remind him of the promises He made to us and accept His will.  The real pain is leaving our comfort zone for something better.  In the end, Jehoshaphat did not fight the battle, a loving and merciful God did.  In fact, God told Jehoshaphat to stand back and watch. God answered Jehoshaphat’s prayer for help. His command was clear, "Listen, all you of Judah, and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you, King Jehoshaphat! Thus says the Lord to you: Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. Tomorrow go down against them. They will surely come up by the Ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the brook before the Wilderness of Jeruel. You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord." 2 Chronicles 20:15-17. God promised victory if they would trust in Him and stand firm. They experienced victory because they sought God, listened to Him, and obeyed Him.  Keep in mind that our battles can be sickness, drug independence, financial, marital and other issues that can cause crises.

When we are in the midst of a crisis, we must remember whose crisis it is. We must understand that it is God’s crisis. It is God’s opportunity to work in powerful and unique ways in our lives. This is His occasion to reveal Himself in new and fresh ways to us. It is His circumstance to show us how much He loves us and cares for us. I am not saying that everything that happens to us is good. There are a lot of crappy things that can happen to us. The crises that we face in life can be agonizing and devastating. Yet, at the same time, they can be opportunities for God to work in us, speak to us, and change us. They can be times for God to show us Himself as never before in our lives. We do not have to drown in fear and discouragement in the midst of crisis. Understand that this is God’s opportunity to work in our lives. The crises may be bad, but God is good. No matter how hard life gets, God is always good and merciful. He can take the crises of life and use them for His own glory and our good.

Praise God for being the Potter who shapes and molds our lives even through adversity. Praise God for being the generous God who pours out His blessings on us in the midst of adversity. Praise God for being the giving God who supplies our needs even in the midst of crisis.

I love you and appreciate you. God bless!

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11.

Rest In Peace, Joan Rivers!

Joan Rivers dead at 81! The native New Yorker, who became almost as famous for her unapologetic love of plastic surgery as her barbed humor, never recovered after going into cardiac and respiratory arrest Aug. 28. Melissa Rivers decided to take her mother off life support at The Mount Sinai Hospital eight days after she arrived at the facility.

Opportunities!

I don’t know where this precept came from but think about how many opportunities we already missed. That's the joy of learning from experience, you are never too old to learn something new.

"Think about the people in

YOUR WORLD.

There will be opportunities

every day

for you to open your arms…

To the ones you love…

To the strangers you don’t know.

They just might see a light in you that

will give them a

reason to believe in something bigger

than themselves…

Someone bigger than us all.

That’s something…

Something

worth leaving behind."

Anon.

Look Unto Jesus!

We are challenged to look beyond things and people.  Things and people can distract us from our God-given purpose in life.  The enemy wants us to concentrate on what we are going through not beyond our situation.  We have come through some things that even caused us nightmares but we did. God sometimes put us in a position to confront our fears. God wants us to turn our fears into faith.  We need to look to Him not to things or people because they can not do what He can.  We innocently rely on the wrong sources.  Sometimes we have to disconnect from these sources and connect with Jesus! We may consider our “arrival” in society as being successful with all the accouterments that we acquired along the way.  We forget the people who prayed on their knees every night and stuck by us everyday for asking God to help us.  We do not have a clue what situations they were going through because of their selfless love and faith.  The first sign of struggle that we had to face we cried out our woes and lose hope.  The enemy wants to destroy us and wants us to think we are alone. What happened to our faith?  Many people have gone through worse stuff than we have and they still do not give up.  They are not alone! They know that God is with them. They know the author of their faith is Jesus.  What Jesus starts, He finishes!  If the Lord will not fix the problem, it can not be fixed.  Our problem is when we want God to resolve our problem when we want it done. We forget that we are not in control and want our situation taken care of right now.  If we stay in faith, we will realize that it is not our timing but the Lord’s. The miracle is coming and for all we know it may already be there!  We get too caught in up in stuff that we do not even notice until afterwards.  Keep our eyes on Jesus and look beyond our situation!  And when your breakthrough comes, get on your knees and thank the Lord for His love and mercy. Do not forget this time and all of the times He has brought you through your struggles.  We all are living testimonies! Let us call on the name of Jesus! He did not die in vain for us! His love and mercy endures forever!