To My Closest Friends!

I have not forgotten you!  I appreciate your texts and voicemails but I'm not ready to talk.  You are so kind and loving but I know you have questions and I'm not ready to answer.  The important thing is your health.  I pray that you are taking care of yourself.  I am undergoing a spiritual growth and revelation that I have not experienced in several years since my mother’s transition.  I have accepted and embraced the Will of God who orders my steps.  As you know, I always wanted to be in control of my destiny but I now realized that God was always in control.  I appreciate your concern and patience but I am well and blessed.  You will be hearing from me soon enough.  God bless you and take care of you.  Thank you for believing in me!  I know that you are there for me if I ever need you.

Some Things Never Change!

2014 is still the same as 1914.  Blacks have their places in society and they are not always in leadership or in authority. Some people will never like a particular group of people in any position!  It is hard to change the pattern of that kind of stinking-thinking.  Some won't even take the time to try. Like Wolfeboro Police Commissioner Robert Copeland in New Hampshire said, in an email that Obama "meets and exceeds my criteria for" using the n-word. Life is short and people still have time to hate. This man is 82 years old! Times are changing and there are people who don't like the changes.  Since the President's election there has been quite a few folks who won't admit that they don't care for him because of his skin color.  It has always been about disliking his policies but never openly admitting that they don't care for his color, too.  I don't like what the Commissioner said but at least he is honest compared to others about his dislike for the President.  We can agree that we will disagree.

Follow-up - Mr. Copeland resigned Monday, May 19, 2014.

Try To Stay On The Right Path!

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake (Psalm 23:3).

Lead me, O Lord, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face (Psalm 5:8).

Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies (Psalm 27:11). 

A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps (Proverbs 16:9).

The longer we live the more choices we have to make.  We can get distracted by choosing something new and different as we progress with knowledge, experience and skills.  We get to a certain point that we believe we are responsible for our own destiny and in some ironic way, we are.  Ironic, because we make choices on our own and refuse to take responsibility for the consequences if the action results in failure.  We all reach forks in the road that can change our lives.

I have walked on these same trails for years and just recently realized that the paths I have been taking have been the same.  But I noticed that along the way tree roots are causing the concrete sidewalks to crack and become unleveled.  Some parts are being overcome by the natural growth around them and the areas are starting to look the same. You can get lost if you’re not careful.  In fact, I did get lost when I reversed the direction that I usually walk.  It took me 4 ½ hours to find my way back where I started.  I prayed sincerely to God to help me find my way through these unfamiliar areas.

Is this so different from our own lives?  Everything seems to be going just fine until we get off track or knocked off our feet.  It could be due to our own choices or reasons beyond our control.  Nevertheless, our faith is tested.  We don’t know if our demise is due to the enemy’s distracting techniques. We could be getting closer in our walk with God and the devil knows it or it could be God steering us in the right direction because we were already on the wrong path.

We don’t know why God is leading us a certain way.  We may not understand the reasons behind our challenges.  But God will make up for our ignorance by the Holy Spirit.  We’ll get the victory if we be faithful and trustful in His divine guidance.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path (Psalm 119:115).

The Cat Is The Hero!!

http://www.wistv.com/story/25515499/hero-cat-saves-kid-from-vicious-dog-attack

Build Another Altar, Abraham!

Let's mark this day as another monument to introspection.  Prayer and fasting have given me calmness, clarity and peacefulness after listening to the biblical prophets, Jeremiah and Nehemiah.  Because they realized their dependence and faith in God they were able to handle and overcome the challenges they faced. I won't go into the details but I can say this; you are never too old to learn!

Happy Mother's Day!

Mother’s Day Is This Sunday!

Happy Mother’s Day to all the super women who sacrifice everyday for their families and love ones to give them the best they have to offer! You are recognized everyday than just this day!  Everyday is special for you!  Kevin Durant couldn't have said it better when he accepted the NBA MVP Award!

As I Get Older…

I learned that I’m not smart at all.  I’m too quick to answer before I hear the complete message and see only from my perspective.  Not very smart because I’m doing the opposite of being quick to listen and slow to speak.  I learned that I have hurt the people that I love and that loved me.  I thought I was considerate but obviously selfish fulfilling my own needs.  I disappointed those that believed in me.  That’s not being wise just inconsiderate.  I learned that if God has ordered my steps then who am I to think that I can control my destiny?  That’s not smart period!  I learned that when people cross paths during our journey living that they all have something we can share along the way.  Whether it’s good or bad, we should take away the teachable moment.  I learned that God is a lot more patient than I am and He wants me to be patient, too.  God also wants me to share in His divine love even if I am selfish.  I learned that I can’t control my past, present and future.  I can attempt do what is pleasing to God and if I stumble or fall, He will help me recover.  I learned that if God forgives me, I should forgive others, I’ve done more wrong to Him than they did to me.  I also learned that I have a harder time forgiving and recovering from the offenses. I learned that life has a lot of challenges but I have learned that all things are possible to God, Who gives us the means to overcome those challenges.  I learned that you don’t forget the wonderful memories you gathered over the years.

Misdirected Outrage!

Let's keep it simple!  The outrage towards Donald Sterling, the LA Clippers owner, is misdirected!  The same ploy was used against Paula Deen.  The outrage should be directed to our politicians who gerrymandered the voting districts who refuse to support the military, the unemployed, the outcasts, the poor, the middle-class and progress of this country!  The Supreme Court who has allowed revising the Voting Rights Acts since there is no more racism in this country and no limits on campaign contributions.  Money talks, folks!  Where is the outrage with the Wall Street CEOs and traders who get more money in a year than most people will get in a lifetime.  Not much was said about Cliven Bundy who owes the government money and still has time to talk about Negroes!  Yes, there is a problem but why is that we only hear about a selective few?  How many people in power discuss how they feel about certain groups that we will never hear?  Like I said, misdirected outrage!

Being Christ-like Is Not That Easy!

Holy Week has passed and what have we done to acknowledge the Last Days of Christ and His Resurrection? Did we take the time to treat each other with respect, dignity and love? Did we meditate over the Last Supper and the body and blood that Jesus gave for us? And what about the suffering He went through for the sins of mankind? We seem to have forgotten exactly what Christians are really about. Going to church every Sunday doesn’t make you a Christian. Following the ways of Christ is not so easy. We need to be growing, be a part of something greater to encouraging and supporting each other. Yes, we all have our personal struggles and challenges. But by God’s Grace, we overcome them and do even better. Our actions should speak louder than our words. Treat each other the way we want to be treated. “Do unto others as you would have them do to you.” We forget this when someone does something to offend us. We hold grudges and want the same thing to happen to them. How quickly we forget to forgive! God asks us to love Him with all of our hearts, souls and minds. Put God first and trust Him! Christ broke the chains of sin and death by returning after death, but He first showed how much He loved us by giving His life. How much love can a person have to give his life for someone who even hates him? Let us all strive to be better examples of what we are supposed to be, Christ-like and practice our purposes year round.

Rest In Peace, Cookie! You Will Be Missed!

God bless you, my friend!

Happy Easter!!!

Remember the reason!

Lead Me, Lord! Guide Me!

The Will of God Will Not Take You Where The Grace of God Will Not Protect You!

April 1, 2014, was just another day the Good Lord gave us. In the biblical days, the Israelites used a rock as a monument to mark something special that occurred to them. It was a covenant memorial to God.  Even today there are many events that deserve altars. Yet, we still don't recognize our blessings. 

This first day in April was the day God’s plan for me was fulfilled! Believe me, my plan was a lot different than His! Forget that I’ve been praying for changes from my situation since last year. My compassion and trust in the workplace were gone. Ever since the previous year, subtle negative changes took place, like slow decaying of friendliness.

Undertaking new challenges can be both frustrating and stressful. When leadership is uncertain which direction to take, but still belittles the subordinates on their errors, who is really wrong? Fire burns off the dross and exposes the true character of the metal. I began to see the real people underneath their masks. Variables that we may never know influenced the outcome of the workplace’s environment. Deceit, vindictiveness, and static communication became apparent and morale was ignored. There is something to be said about a person standing at the end of the aisles to observe what time an employee comes in.  They didn't realize that they were becoming bullies. It was either their way or go. Of course, selected employees were exempted which became the norm.

My compassion and fire were replaced with distrust and discomfort. Distrust with some of the people in position and uncomfortable even being around them. I don’t put much thought in rumors because most of the time they are not true. However, there is a saying “where’s there is smoke there's fire” and sparks can start very large fires. This fire was not going to subside until it accomplished its objectives. Rumor had it that the leaders wanted to replace a certain section of office personnel, break them, discourage them and run them off.  I now question the lost reports and other irregularities. Temporarily, evil designs will bear fruit but “trouble don’t last always.” And eventually, their "deceit" will catch up with them. 

I prayed to God for His divine guidance. I had already committed myself to Him, but I expected God to do things my way. How ignorant to think God would do things my way. God’s timing, not ours, will be done! God is a merciful, loving Father. He knows what is best for all of us. We need to put our faith and trust in Him. Unfortunately, we like to be in control of our own destiny and limit our faith and trust. That is why we call on God to get us out of the mess we made! I prayed for wisdom and understanding but I left out a very important part of following God’s Divine Plan, forgiveness! 

When saying the Lord’s Prayer, say it slower next time. “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” Trespass is to offend. How many times have we offended others? Maybe we meant to and maybe not. But, how often do we ask for forgiveness when we offend someone, especially, the people we love? But love is another story, too. Can we forgive people that dislike us? Isn’t this part of the Lord’s Prayer? We definitely want God to forgive us but we find reasons to keep grudges towards others. Are we being obedient? Are we treating each other the way we want to be treated? Expect to be mocked and ridiculed doing the right thing. Hang in there! God’s purpose for us will not be denied!

I am blessed beyond my grandest expectations, I am working with people who I know that I can help and hopefully bring them hope. My faith and trust in God has grown exponentially since I have seen Him make a way out of no way. I am a witness to His awesome love and mercy. I always wondered how the men of God during the biblical days understood the power and love of God. They witnessed his grace and mercy every day! They gave God control of their lives and He never, not once, let them down. But the men did and each time was lifted up by God’s divine love and mercy.

We all have a lot to learn on this journey. If we become bitter and judgmental we block the wonderful blessings the Lord has in store for us. He’s already given the blessings to us; we must be open to receive them!

Whatever challenges and obstacles that we are faced with, thank God for the wisdom and strength to deal with them! Trust Him as a loving Father who wants the best for his children. God wants us to believe in Him at all times. When Peter took his eyes off of Christ and saw the white-capped waves, he began to sink. The foamy waves represent the obstacles and challenges we face in our lives and we sink when we let them overcome us with fear and doubt. Peter, in his moment of fear, forgot who was in control. He forgot who he was with!  I know that I have done this before.

There is a season for everything we deal with.  No matter what happens in life, never take your eyes off Jesus! The word became flesh! He knows the challenges we will undergo! He faced it here on earth and gave His life as God’s covenant with man! Let us all keep our eyes on the prize! 

A Flippant Tongue Will Cost!

James 3:1-12 (NIV) states that it’s easier to control animals by putting bits in their months to make them obey you. Ships are steered by small rudders to go into the direction where needed. But the tongue, a small part of the body compared to a small spark which can set a forest on fire. Animals of all kinds can be tamed by man but man can not tame his own tongue. With the same tongue we praise the Lord and curse our brothers. Proverbs 18:21 (NIV) says that the tongue has the power of life and death and those who love to talk will reap the consequences.

 Some of us find out the hard way! We said things in the past not realizing the consequences. We forget what was said and the past comes back to bite us. You cannot get back what was said in the atmosphere.We indeed reap what we sow. Still, it is not our timing when we want things done, but God's timing when it will be done.  I was at a point that I became distrustful and wary everyday.  That is an unpleasant and toxic environment.  It was a cloud that resulted from circumstances of more than enough but was no longer be creative, have fun, be productive and treat internal and external partners with respect.  The unspoken word was "Do it and I don't care how it gets done." I have learned that there will be those that will always be given a "special" treatment and their word will not be questioned despite the facts.  In other words, everyone will not be treated equally.

There are evil forces in high positions that cannot bear to see you doing God’s Will and they will find ways, large or small, to distract you. We must realize those folks have given in to their earthly desires of selfishness. They have forgotten who put them in positions of authority and believe now only in themselves. They can neither forget nor forgive any trespasses. Their hunger for vindictiveness will not be satisfied until the hardship is completed. How many of us have seen this happen to others or ourselves? We must pray for those. 1 Timothy 2:1-4 (NIV) petitions "prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people, for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." 

I have seen so many miracles take place in my life and some very recent. I know that there is a God!  But, if you refuse to move when God tells you to, He will move you. It’s remarkable that the Holy Comforter gives you the desire to prepare in advance. But you will have to obey and trust Him, God is always in control no matter what. We will "trust in the Lord with all of our heart and all of our soul and will not lean to our own understandings...God will direct our paths." Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) 

 My own calmness is beyond my comprehension. I wish no evil on anyone. God is my vindicator. Proverbs 21:23 says those who guard their mouths and tongues keep themselves from calamity. The New American Standard version has "He who guards his mouth and his tongue, Guards his soul from troubles." The point of a mistake is to learn from it and try not to repeat it. God did not bring us this far to leave us. Challenges will always be around us, hopefully we grow from them and get stronger. 

My faith is growing stronger every day. I am so grateful that God is with me.  He has put in place angels to watch over me.  In particular, one that maintains a listening ear and watchful eye over me.  Do not put your trust in man because his motives might be for himself. My trust is in God, my Father, who wants only the best for me and I have to trust and believe that His Divine Guidance will get me where I need to go. 

Psalms 146 (NIV) is one of my favorite passages, there are so many. David had a direct line to God’s heart. As a sheep herder, he had plenty of time to meditate, as a fugitive he had plenty of time to praise and give thanks and as a king, he had plenty of time pray. David knew what grace was all about.

In closing, we must continue to pray for each other.

It's Been Six Years!

Time has really gone by fast but it still doesn't relieve me from the emptiness that I feel from missing my mother.  Yet, I know that she is with the Lord and He has filled that emptiness with an undying love and memory.  So many people have lost the people they love and by obeying God's Will, we will see them again.

Rest in Peace, Karen and "Fats!"

One thing that happens when you get older is that the people you knew either change or move on.  But what you realize is that moving on does not mean leaving your neighborhood, life or job.  What I found out is that moving on is moving towards a new life on another plane.  Two of my childhood friends and cousins have moved on from this world to the next.  Gerald "Fat Daddy" Webb, 57, departed this life last Wednesday, March 5, 2014.  He really wasn't fat.  His older sister, Karen Webb-Martin, 62, left the day before on Tuesday, March 4, 2014.  I don't know what happened but I do know that God's Will is done.  I pray for a blessed and peaceful journey.

Happy Belated Birthday, Austin!

My baby brother is now 61!  God bless you!

What is Wrong With Some of Our Church Leaders?

Something is very wrong with this picture; it promotes fear, paranoia and hate.  Regardless, the author hurls insults at too many people except at himself.  Some much can be said about this "shepherd" bringing souls to God.  I’m sure that he could have found a better way to voice his opinion than this. (See below).

“This is devastating what Obama is doing to the black man and the black woman, and how the white homo is now moving into the black neighborhoods looking for black men that have been converted into homosexuality. But black woman let me say something to you: you have a very hard time competing against a white homosexual male. He's usually got money -- a white homo usually has an American Express card. He usually has an opportunity at the theater -- homos love the theater. They love to go out to dinners, parties, they love that kind of a thing... black people need to rise up in mass and recognize the utter destruction that Obama is going in to destroy the black family with these homosexual statements that he has done and release of demons.”

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/26/atlah-church-anti-gay_n_4860972.html

Thank God that His patience and mercy is for all of us!  We are all covered by the Blood of Jesus!  We need to get our house in order!

Seeing the Works of God!

Others went out on the sea in ships; they were merchants on the mighty waters. They saw the works of the Lord.... - Psalm 107:23-24

Sometimes God takes us into such deep waters that we lose control of the situation, and we have no choice but to fully trust in His care for us. This is doing business in great waters. It is in these great waters that we see the works of God.

The Scriptures tell us that the disciples testified of what they saw and heard. It was the power behind the gospel, not the words themselves, which changed the world. The power wasn't seen until circumstances got to the point that there were no alternatives but God. Sometimes God has to take us into the deep water in order to give us the privilege to see His works.

Sometimes God takes us into the deep waters of life for an extended time. Joseph was taken into deep waters of adversity for 17 years. Rejection by his brothers, enslavement to Pharaoh, and imprisonment were the deep waters for Joseph. During those deep waters, he experienced dreams, a special anointing of his gifts to administrate, and great wisdom beyond his years. The deep water was preparation for a task that was so great he never could have imagined it. He was to see God's works more clearly than anyone in his generation. God had too much at stake for a 30-year-old to mess it up. So, God took Joseph through the deep waters of preparation to ensure that he would survive what he was about to face. Pride normally engulfs such young servants who have such access to power at such a young age.

If God chooses to take us into deep waters, it is for a reason. The greater the calling, the deeper the water. Trust in His knowledge that your deep waters are preparation to see the works of God in your life. 

Source: From an inspiring email