Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Have a great day....

Good morning. A positive attitude has nothing to do with what happens to
you. Its what you do with, and how you react to, what happens to you!!
Your humor, internal belief system, and your ability to look at things
from a different perspective. That's the key to a positive attitude!
Stuck in traffic, NO PROBLEM! Turn on the radio and laugh! Its all how
you look at life! Have a happy week! :-)

Monday, July 14, 2008

Never would have paid it



This is sooo crazy, I had to post it. Make sure you see the real post below.

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Pause Click Pause Click

Hey I know its been a while since you have seen something I have written, sorry I really haven't been motivated as of late. But I would give you the wonderful, fabulous me as I play in some of my clothes and shoes. Yeah, I know real shallow...but whatever, this is what you get! Some deep stuff might come later.

What's been going on with me in the last few months??? Nothing really. I work and I come home. I've been working out lately, due to doctors orders. What started as a routine check up ended up as being a precursor to diabetes interrupting my life. So now I must begin a dramtic lifestyle change. I know its going to be for the best of my health and also change the way I look, which is something to look forward to, but its the process man! It has taken some time to change my attitude about it and get with the flippin program. I don't like it, but I'm going to do it.

I have made some progress on my goals for the year. I did my taxes on time, found a doctor, and still on the hunt for a church home. Somethings are on delay. I'll get to them eventually.

I've grown my hair...its still on the short side but its definately longer than what I'm used to. It seems as if every fifth person has a short and sassy look to them. It's all very cute, but I get exhausted looking at my head on other peoples bodies. So with that there came change. Again I don't like the process of growing it out, but I'm doing it anyway. I even started taking prenatal pills to help it along. Its doing something.

I havent been back to Michigan since February. My plan is to head back home at the end of July. We'll see what happens then...

Love life??? non-exsistant. I've met some people only to not see them again (or in some cases, not at all). I don't know what that is all about. I'm not going down the road of negative self talk, so I'll end that sentence right there.

My feelings about da 'boro are still the same. However, going back to Michigan again isn't an option. It's more of doing what I have to do to be self sufficient and an intense longing for comfort and security. I really don't know what it will take for me to like being here, so accepting it is the only alternative. Ironically, many people from Michigan that I know from college are making their way to the south. I learned that from FaceBook.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Laughing Through My Tears

It took me a minute to be able to write this, but I finally can without the waterworks. Well, at least I think. Tragic thing is, as soon as I think Im ready I get another blow...earlier today my mothers sister passed away. It hasn't been no more than sixty days since my daddy has been gone. I even find myself still crying about that loss, and now this. Rest Peacefully Aunt Cora.

Another funeral. Another mourning, and prolly some more laughs. When my daddy passed away the comedy didn't stop, which is the reason of this post. I found myself at times laughing through my tears.

My sister number two and I had the duty of picking out my daddy's burial suit. The people at the funeral home wanted everything. I mean everything undershirt, underwear, and socks included. I still can't understand why all that is needed. Sister #2 thought it would be funny to get the silky boxers that we knew he hated. Daddy was really old school, for him nothing but Fruit of the Looms would do. We started playing scenarios of Daddy haunting her about those drawls. It got loonier and loonier as we kept coming up with facts and examples. I picked some boxer briefs that one of us daughters had bought him that he never even took out of the package.

We are going through his closet finding suit after suit, not really agreeing or disagreeing but wondering if it would fit him, until we both came to the realization of "does it really matter????" Sister #2 was even going to request taking some of him out just to make his pants fit. Silly I know.

Sister #1 was responsible of putting as much of the program together as she could. Mommah had made the request of having Marvin Sapp's song Never Would Have Made It be played during the family hour. Well, Sister #2 questioned if we ever heard the lyrics of the song, setting her position as "well, he (my daddy) didn't make it, oh and the i would have lost my mind...well, he (my daddy)had Alzheimer's." I conceded because the rationale was so funny.

Okay so you know during the funeral I'm all broke up in the grieving process. I really wasn't prepared to see my daddy lying in that casket. My church assigned me with my own personal "amour bearer" (for the lack of a better word) and she kept giving me bottles of water to help comfort me. Well, of course during the middle of the service I had to pee LAM!!!! I leaned into my sister #1 and tell her my situation. She's like, "Can't you hold it???" I said, "I have been." I felt like I was going to explode. My saving grace was when my mommah got up to leave the sanctuary, so I pretended like I was going to watch after her and headed straight to the potty. Lo and behold, she was on her way to the restroom too! I was running, trying not to slip in my stellar shoes that I had just purchase a couple of weeks before. Church people came after us making sure we were okay, it was a small clamour of chaos...I assured them I was fine, for that moment.

My daddy was a veteran and influenced my cousin to go into the military after college. She swears that it was the best thing for her to do, she's high ranking and settled all because of Daddy. The most sentimental part of the whole day was when she presented the United States flag to my mommah after his twenty-one gun salute. I kinda lost it then too. But what messed me up was that later that night she told me that she forgot to pack enough panties (she was rushing to get to Michigan) and since the day started out so early she couldn't get any new ones. I said, "you saluted my daddy going commando???? tha nerve!!" I laughed so hard I pooted.

So now I have to go through all of this again for my aunt. My family will surely provide me with some laughs for all to enjoy at a later time. Im tired now, if I have your number more than likely I will be calling more than Im blogging. I'll see you when Im looking at you...

Thursday, April 03, 2008

What ever happend to....

CANDYMAN?????

This is a str8 up throwback. I've been thinking about this song for weeks, and I thought I would see if you all remember this cat and his song 'knockin boots.' I believe I was in the 8th grade when this song came back.

G'head bob ya head...

Monday, March 31, 2008

Maximize Your Singleness



Believe me when I say: This is ministering to me.



Matt. 6:33 and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern. NLT
Being single is not a curse, it's a blessing. You must realize that while you are single, you can do more for the Kingdom of God than you can while you are married. You answer to God alone and you can move and go as you please. Paul was teaching how good it is to be married, but how much better it is to be single for a season of growth. Plus, as a single, you can focus on finding God and your purpose without having to please God and a spouse. This is a time for you to move into your calling and then find or be found by that special person that fits into the plan of God for your life. But if you don't know God's plan for you, then you are dangerous to others and you should not even consider marriage! Allow God to use you before you begin to pray for a spouse.
Serve God while you are single and realize that it is an opportune time to grow in him.
Tips to being an empowered single Christian in 2008:
- Don't hang out with married people all the time!!! (that will only make you feel odd and long for a partner)
- Stop listening to, reading, and watching movies, books, videos, and music that promote sex and sexual relations. (you don't need that)
- Seek the Kingdom of God by reading the word, praying for others, and being active in your fellowship.
- Be careful in developing relationships with the opposite sex. (if you aren't ready to marry, don't get close!)
- Pick your friends carefully. Don't hang around folks that are deadbeats and aren't going anywhere in life. (surround yourself with people that are already where you are trying go! That will only boost your drive!)
- Don't settle! (if he or she isn't sent from God to you then don't accept it! if you do, you may find yourself lowering your standards for the sake of love. that's a big mistake! )
- Spend time investing in yourself. While you are single, you can do this and not be selfish. Take advantage of that.
- Learn who you are in Christ and appreciate who he made you to be.
- Don't listen to negative talk about youself, but know in your heart how special you are to God and how special you will be to someone in the future. Anyone that does not consider you special does not deserve your friendship or your time.

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Obama Hype and Movies

I'm sad because Obama is in my proximity and I can't go!!! He's having a Town Hall meeting today in Greensboro and they only gave away 2000 tickets...Unbelievable, I tried everything in my might to get these tickets to no avail. Okay...moving on. (If he shows up at the N&R, I'll let you know!)


Summer Movies of 2008 that I'm looking forward to seeing:

IronMan - May 2


Wall-E June,27

He kinda reminds me of Number 5 from Short Circuit.

Thursday, March 13, 2008

I think it would be nice....


Wouldn't it be nice to have a Black first lady and two young, intelligent, well-behaved Black girls in the White House?

Wouldn't it be nice to see those young girls grow up to be decent young ladies?

Think about it, how many other candidates (in either party) have school aged children?

Wouldn't it be nice to see some inner city kids playing on the White Houselawn during the Easter Egg Roll?

Wouldn't it be nice to see a high ranking Black person finally at the table, but not just at the table -at the HEAD of the table?

Wouldn't it be nice to see a Black family bring multicultural traditionsto the White House?Wouldn't it be nice to see a Black woman on HGTV or any other show giving a tour of the White House during the holidays - showing the decorations on the Christmas trees and explaining the meaning behind her holiday theme?

Wouldn't it be nice to see more Black people being entertained in the Rose Garden?

Wouldn't it be nice to see a photo of young Black children in the Oval Office for Take Your Child to Work Day?

Wouldn't it be nice and ironic to have a Black person create and own a Presidential library, especially when most people like to say that Black people don't read?

Wouldn't you be curious to go to DC for a change and actually considertaking a White House tour?

Wouldn't it be nice to see more Black people all across the country do the same?

Wouldn't you be proud to hear them play Here Comes The Chief for a Black person for a change?Wouldn't it be nice to see the Armed Forces salute a Black Commander-in-Chief?

Wouldn't it be nice to see someone who looks like us taking the oath of office on the White House steps, giving a State of the Union Address, giving weekly radio addresses, and signing things into law with the Presidential pen?

Maybe it's just me that I've never dreamt for anything this big but isn't it nice to know that someone else has?

Wouldn't it feel good to make that Dream come true?

What if it were you or your family, wouldn't it be nice to know that someone would vote for you if they had the Opportunity ?

Some people ask the question why - I'm saying why not?


The world is looking at us, wondering if what we will do when we're presented an opportunity of a lifetime. They will be wondering whether we are really ready for our situation to change, even a little bit? Regardless if you are a democrat or republican, just something to think about as a black person....Everyone,I realize that some folks are supporting Hillary Clinton and if you areyou need to read this. Barack Obama inspired me to pass this on to you. To me he is a strong black man who, in the face of setbacks growing up, pushed on with the support of a strong black woman who is 100% behind him. Together they are making history. This is the America I want to live in. This is what our families should be like!, and can be like.


This is also circulating and you may find it of interest. I am not the author. Many black folks in America talk hesitantly about voting for Barack Obama in the primaries and caucuses. But here are a few things to consider: Sports among other things, is a microcosm of the mentality of society. Recently, the NFL has mandated teams to interview at least one qualified Minority candidate for each opening. Every NFL owner signed off on it. 'Qualified' head coaches are plucked from the ranks of offensive and defensive coordinators. Look around, no one is promoting black offensive or defensive coordinators...in pros or college. In effect it nullifies the opportunity altogether. When Kareem dominated the game, the college basketball leaders outlawed dunking. Yes, it's true. As Tiger Woods blazed the trail, the golf governors sought to 'Tiger-proof' golf courses. Obama's big break came during his Democratic National Convention speech. Rest assured, he will be the last black person to get that kind ofnational stage if it follows the same pattern as sports.


Not my child, not my grandchild, not yours either. Many of us say America isn't ready to vote him in yet. I wonder, is he the best guy for the job or am I interested in him onlybecause he's black? His opponent being a woman is suddenly enough, so is being black any less dignifying? Maybe, maybe not. However, 20-30 years from now, we'll have to tell our grandkids why we voted the way we did. How will we justify it then when sports have taught us that the field will be changed almost immediately as soon as a black person rises to the pinnacle? So if not now, it's not a question of when. The answer may be NEVER.


Twenty or thirty years from now some of us will answer to Emmitt Till,Medgar Evers, Martin, Malcolm and GOD himself in heaven as to why we passed up this opportunity. GOD will remind us that HE gave us the story of Joshua and Caleb and the lack of self-determination and self-worth that lead to 40 years of wilderness when the promised land was a hill away. GOD may ask us: Didn't your great grandfathers die for this chance? Didn't your grandparents pray for this chance? Didn't you hope and dream of this chance? I heard your prayers, sorrows, and cries. Didn't I give you the chance? Why after 400 years of bondage, would you Reason with yourself to pass it up? Did you not understand it was less about you and more about ME? He may say, 'I gave you the chance but you wanted complete certainty, a guarantee that it was okay now. Check it out. I never work that way.'

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

You Kept Me


You see, there were a few times when I thought I would lose my mind, but GOD
KEPT
me sane.
(Isa. 26:3)

There were times when I thought I could go no longer, but the LORD
KEPT
me moving.
(Gen 28:15)

At times, I've wanted to las h out at those whom I felt had done me
wrong, but the LORD
KEPT
my mouth shut.
(Psa. 13)

Sometimes, I think the money just isn't enough, but GOD has helped me to
KEEP
the lights on, the water on, the car paid, the house paid,
etc.
(Matt. 6:25-34)

When I thought I would fall, HE
KEPT
me up. When I thought I was weak, HE KEPT
me strong!
(I Pet. 5:7, Matt. 11:28-30)

I could go on and on and on, but I'm sure you hear me!

Praise the Lord and pass the filet mignon! I'm Blessed to be
KEPT!
Are you, or do you know a
KEPT
Woman?

If so pass it on to her to let her know she is KEPT,
OR
just keep it for yourself!

Either way, YOU SHALL BE BLESSED.

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

An Open Letter to Obama from Toni Morrison



Im going to continue my theme of edifying Barack Obama as our Democratic candidate for presidency. Even if you don't share in the same sentiments you would have to agree that this public endorsement by Toni Morrison, who first set the notion that Bill Clinton was the first black president, is clearly phenomenal. If you haven't seen it take a look:

**************

Dear Senator Obama,

This letter represents a first for me--a public endorsement of a Presidential candidate. I feel driven to let you know why I am writing it. One reason is it may help gather other supporters; another is that this is one of those singular moments that nations ignore at their peril. I will not rehearse the multiple crises facing us, but of one thing I am certain: this opportunity for a national evolution (even revolution) will not come again soon, and I am convinced you are the person to capture it.
May I describe to you my thoughts?

I have admired Senator Clinton for years. Her knowledge always seemed to me exhaustive; her negotiation of politics expert. However I am more compelled by the quality of mind (as far as I can measure it) of a candidate. I cared little for her gender as a source of my admiration, and the little I did care was based on the fact that no liberal woman has ever ruled in America. Only conservative or "new-centrist" ones are allowed into that realm. Nor do I care very much for your race[s]. I would not support you if that was all you had to offer or because it might make me "proud."

In thinking carefully about the strengths of the candidates, I stunned myself when I came to the following conclusion: that in addition to keen intelligence, integrity and a rare authenticity, you exhibit something that has nothing to do with age, experience, race or gender and something I don't see in other candidates. That something is a creative imagination which coupled with brilliance equals wisdom. It is too bad if we associate it only with gray hair and old age. Or if we call searing vision naivete. Or if we believe cunning is insight. Or if we settle for finessing cures tailored for each ravaged tree in the forest while ignoring the poisonous landscape that feeds and surrounds it. Wisdom is a gift; you can't train for it, inherit it, learn it in a class, or earn it in the workplace--that access can foster the acquisition of knowledge, but not wisdom.
When, I wondered, was the last time this country was guided by such a leader? Someone whose moral center was un-embargoed? Someone with courage instead of mere ambition? Someone who truly thinks of his country's citizens as "we," not "they"? Someone who understands what it will take to help America realize the virtues it fancies about itself, what it desperately needs to become in the world?

Our future is ripe, outrageously rich in its possibilities. Yet unleashing the glory of that future will require a difficult labor, and some may be so frightened of its birth they will refuse to abandon their nostalgia for the womb.

There have been a few prescient leaders in our past, but you are the man for this time.

Good luck to you and to us.

Toni Morrison

Saturday, March 08, 2008

All of us love Obama....

J. Anthony Brown murrdahs the hits! I love this one, though. It's catchy, and sooo different than will.i.am





I didn't know the brotha could sing! I caught myself in a head bob.

Monday, March 03, 2008

OHIO, please don't let us down!


I found this in an email and it really hits on some points...but I'll let you decide.



1. He's not ready/He's not experienced. Man please. You have the top 3 Democratic candidates with 1 Senate term under their belt. Hillary as the First Lady as experienced? Not one executive decision is made being as the first lady. That's like Stedman recommending a book, endorsing a candidate, or having his own show...SO WHAT.


2. White America is not ready for a Black president. Whaaa? Was White America ready for slavery to end? Giving us the right to vote? Desegregation of our society? When did black people ever let white people dictate when and where we were getting our just due, our break? We've always stepped up and demanded what we wanted, or we were either hitting the streets and tearin' up some stuff, escapin', marching, or picketing. White America is ready for a Black President because Barack Obama is the right man for President, PERIOD. Besides, that never stopped anyone from voting for Jesse Jackson, a man with NO political experience AT ALL from almost snatching the Democratic nomination in 1984, and coming darn close again in 1988 20 YEARS AGO.


3. Barak is half black and half white, so he's not really black anyway. I should backsmack anyone who has ever thought that. Ever heard of the one drop rule? It has not only been a social standard for WHO is black, but it also upheld the constitution in keeping us from suing a white person over personal property. No black person ever refers to another black person as "biracial". You black. You might have another heritage in your lineage, but this country as well as any other sees you as black, PERIOD. Lame excuse people.

4. I don't know what issues Barack stands for. When the heck has that ever prevented black folk from voting for a black candidate, really? I guess now, but the main people saying that couldn't tell you anything about Hillary's or John Edwards platform either. Please stop fronting.


5. All he did was give that one speech. How many great people have defined their lives, the scope of human history, and changed the world in a speech? Moses, Jesus, Paul, Martin Luther, Frederick Douglas, Abraham Lincoln, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, Martin Luther King, Jr., John F. Kennedy, Malcolm X, Ronald Reagan, Nelson Mandela, Jesse Jackson, and Jim Valvano all have changed the course of history of the world and the hearts of billions of men and women in societies since the beginning of time with a speech. That is the purpose of a rally. A person speaks, and it prepares all to act in relation to the spirit of what is spoken. That is why we go to church, not to just hear our pastor blather, but to refresh God in our hearts and spurn us to take up God's will in our lives. So save all that ying yang about that speech.


6. If all of those white people are supporting him, he must be in their back pocket. Save the conspiracy theory home skillet. He's liked because he comes at a time where a person that looks exactly like them lied to their face (two in a row, if you include Bill Clinton with Monica and of course Bush with Iraq), and flat out said what no politician would admit: We have two Americas, blue and red, black and white. It was not publicly said, and on top of that proposed that we ACTUALLY DO something about it, not find more ways to be divided and not come together despite our differences. Noble concept, and one to be championed. That's JFK, FDR, and Abe Lincoln material. So they were feeling it, just like I was and you should too. His legislative work has been indicative of this as well, including his Fuel Standard work with President Bush. Check the resume, it shines.


THE REAL REASON BLACK PEOPLE DON'T WANT TO VOTE FOR OBAMA IS THAT THEY ARE AFRAID THAT HE'LL WIN, AND:


1.WE'LL HAVE NO MORE EXCUSES LEFT. We won't be able to say, "America is racist", "I cannot get a break because I'm black", and all other random excuses many blacks make for not achieving anything in their lives.

2. IF SOCIETY IS LEFT UNCHANGED AFTER HIS PRESIDENCY WE'LL LOSE HOPE. If a black man becomes President, I honestly believe many black people feel that all of the world's problems should come to an end. No more crack selling, no more black on black crime, no more baby mama drama and dead beat daddies, no more people on welfare and on the chow line, no more wineoes, no more police brutality, no more DWB, no more predatory loans, no more ghettos, no more racism period, no more Middle East unrest, just everybody singing cumbaya. To some degree, I think alot of white people, especially liberal, feel that way too, that's why they are all up on him like that. THAT'S RIDICULOUS. If it happened, he'd be one of the greatest people that ever lived, but that's way too much pressure to put on one man. DANG! I feel that people are really not ready for the world to get better anyway. It's like that father you never knew but won't make a relationship with because you don't want to be let down. It's unfair and let that go. Barak will make a great President, but he won't solve all of the world's problems, nor can he solve all of black peoples' problems either.


3. SO CALLED "EDUCATED" BLACK PEOPLE WON'T BE SO SPECIAL ANYMORE BECAUSE THE PLAYING FIELD WILL BE LEVELED. Absolutely hate more than anything else. The above 2 reasons were largely a poor disadvantaged black person's inner fear about Barack. Many of number 2 and all of this one is specifically tailored to you bourgeois folks that actually like being the only black person (or one of a very few) in your medical school, your law school, your master's program, your Ph.D. program, your high fallutin' Fortune 500 Company, your faculty at your prestigious institution. You feel deep inside being a talented 10th will become a talented population. As much as you detest and look down at your disadvantaged brothers and sisters, and claim they need to "get a job", "get an education", "pull themselves up from their own bootstraps", and "stop being so ignorant", you like them where they are. You are the one that has that shady feeling in your belly when a new black person is hired because you don't want them to screw it up for you. Yeah you...I'm talkin' about you. You know who you are. You think deep inside, Keishas, Darnells, Shequans are going to get theirs now that Barak is in office, and you won't be so special anymore. See you like racism. You probably are like Clarence Thomas, the man that benefitted from Affirmative Action but now you got yours, nobody else can get in too, so you vote against Affirmative Action. Yeah, claim you got your opportunity on merit. No, you got it on the backs of our ancestors that had to fight for you to get that job. Now you don't want a world where everyone has an equal opportunity. Well actually neither do poor blacks either, see 1.


3. IF HE MESSES IT UP, WE'RE ALL SCREWED. Back in the day blacks with degrees could do nothing but shine shoes outside the company. Now we're in them, making decisions, even CEOs like my man Stanley O'Neal, the first black American to take the helm of a major Wall Street firm. That brother completely mismanaged the company, like many others who mismanaged banks and cause losing equity because of security back subprime loans. Now, those that are in the know are afraid that a black man cannot ever get that opportunity to be THE MAN at a major institution again. Not only that, if Barack messes it up, there will be a backlash on all of black America. "You guys had your chance to run the free world, and you blew it". Sorry Charlie, Barak is one man. You can't use the logic for yourself as far as getting ahead, but lose it for this man. George Bush completely botched America's standing in the world, but I don't see anyone afraid to elect another white man. So come off of it.


4. BLACK WOMEN FEEL SORRY FOR HILLARY BEING CHEATED ON BY THE REAL FIRST BLACK PRESIDENT. This is so dumb, I cannot address with words, but it's the truth for alot of black people, who felt Bill was the first Black President, and sistas especially would feel like they were vindicating a woman that was done wrong by anotha brotha.


5. BLACKS LIKE TO BE DIFFERENT FROM WHITES AND BARAK WILL BREAK DOWN BARRIERS WE LIKE HAVING UP. Keep it real people. You hate it when anything we do gets imitated. It is instantly uncool. Most blacks love that we have our own thing, our own culture. Having Barack win means for a lot of people America will have more of a shared consciousness. We'll actually have to come together and squash some beef to make this country cooperative. I don't completely believe this concept, but I'm down for it. Once again, Black people really do like racism. For all of you doubters out there this is what you really need to ask yourselves: Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. That's all the brotha is trying to do. So vote for him, drop the excuses, and support the first viable Black Candidate. Our ancestors demand that we do so.

Friday, February 29, 2008

Speak Those Things...


THE TONGUE CAN BE YOUR WORST ENEMY!


Your words, your dreams, and your thoughts have power to create conditions in your life. What you speak about, you can bring about. If you keep saying you can't stand your job, you might lose your job.

If you keep saying you can't stand your body, your body can become sick.

If you keep saying you can't stand your car, your car could be stolen or just stop operating.

If you keep saying you're broke, guess what? You'll always be broke.

If you keep saying you can't trust a man or trust a woman, you will always find someone in your life To hurt and betray you.

If you keep saying you can't find a job, you will remain unemployed.

If you keep saying you can't find someone to love you or believe in you, your very thought will attract more experiences to confirm your beliefs.

If you keep talking about a divorce or break up in a relationship, then you might end up with it.


Turn your thoughts and conversations around to be more positive and power packed with faith, hope, love and action. Don't be afraid to believe that you can have what you want and deserve. Watch your Thoughts, they become words. Watch your Words, they become actions. Watch your Actions, they become habits. Watch your Habits, they become character. Watch your Character, for it becomes your Destiny. The minute you settle for less than you deserve, you get even less than you settle for.


Thought I would share this with you. Watch how your circumstances and situations begin to change when you change the way you speak.

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Love & Redemption Promotional Party...




Rich did it up...it was wonderful. I know you want more details but your really need to see the fun first, not only that, I need some sleep first. I made a little diddy slideshow for you all to slob over...There is so much to talk about the weekend in St. Louis...you will not want to miss.

So, come again soon and often!!!


Thursday, February 14, 2008

thank you.

I just wanted to send a shout out to my blog family to thank you for all the calls & prayers sent up for me and my family at the time of my fathers passing. You all have really been too kind. The best!

A very special thank you to Lance, that called just to check on me to make sure I was okay.

Because HE first Loved Me.

Today we observe Valentines Day. The more cynical among us would suggest it is a holiday perpetuated by florists and greeting card companies to sell more stuff. Some among us would take theological exception to it, declaring it to be a pagan holiday that pays homage to evil so we should avoid it. But the vast majority of us will use it as an opportunity to do what we should all do more often anyway... to tell and show the one we love how we feel about them.

Throughout history, the love of a man for a woman (or vice-versa) has inspired us to reach for the heights of our creative abilities in search of a way to express that love. Look at all of the songs that have been written, the words that have been penned, even the monuments that have been erected. They say that the majestic Taj Mahal in India was built to express a man's love for a woman.In like manner, man has gone to great lengths throughout history to express praise, adoration and love to God. But all of our efforts seem to fall short of the mark. While we can find words to express human love, we find it hard to comprehend, much less express or return the agape love of God. We wrestle with the concept of God's love because much of the time we have a hard time loving ourselves and certainly have a hard time loving each other. If we can't love ourselves, if we can't love our brothers and sisters in Christ, how can we comprehend the perfect love of God?Only God's love is unfailing. Even the best, most godly people will let us down. But God never fails and His love never fails. Only God's love is unchanging. He is the same yesterday, today and forever, and His love is as unchanging as His character.

Only God's love is unconditional. As much as we love our spouse or our children or our parents, our love can never be completely unselfish or with absolutely no strings attached. We are not capable of that kind of love. But God is. There is nothing that you can do to earn God's love. And there is nothing you can do that can cause God to not love you.With our finite human minds we cannot fully comprehend the love of God, but we can accept it. You don't have to understand something to know that it is true.Every now and then when I tell my wife I love her she will smile at me and playfully say, "Why do you love me?" "Because you are so easy to love!" I say in return. It's the same with my Lord. I may not be able to understand how God can love me, but I know He does, and that makes it so easy to love Him in return. He loves me, and that love is expressed in the grace, mercy and favor He has bestowed upon me all of my life.

And it was best expressed when Jesus gave His life to give me the gift of eternal life.Oh, how I love Jesus, because He first loved me!

Rev. Alan Riley is the Director of Web Operations for Streaming Faith and serves as the Managing Editor of StreamingFaith.com. He is an ordained Baptist Minister and a frequent contributor to the Streaming Faith Daily Devotional. His personal blog can be found at www.alansblog.com.

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Political Pimpin'

While walking down the street one day a US senator is tragically hit by truck and dies. His soul arrives in heaven and is met by St. Peter at the entrance.
"Welcome to heaven," says St. Peter. "Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem. We seldom see a high official around these parts, you see, so we're not sure what to do with you."
"No problem, just let me in," says the man. "Well, I'd like to, but I have orders from higher up. What we'll do is have you spend one day in hell and one in heaven. Then you can choose where to spend eternity "
"Really, I've made up my mind. I want to be in heaven," says the senator.
"I'm sorry, but we have our rules."

And with that, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell. The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a green golf course. In the distance is a clubhouse and standing in front of it are all his friends and other politicians who had worked with him. Everyone is very happy and in evening dress. They run to greet him, shake his hand, and reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich at the expense of the people. They play a friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster, caviar and champagne. Also present is the devil, who really is a very friend ly guy who has a good time dancing and telling jokes. They are having such a good time that before he realizes it, it is time to go. Everyone gives him a hearty farewell and waves while the elevator rises... The elevator goes up, up, up and the door reopens on heaven where St Peter is waiting for him.
"Now it's time to visit heaven."

So, 24 hours pass with the senator joining a group of contented souls moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing. They have a good time and , before he realizes it, the 24 hours have gone by and St. Peter returns.

"Well, then, you've spent a day in hell and another in heaven. Now choose your eternity."
The senator reflects for a minute, then he answers: "Well, I would never have said it before, I mean heaven has been delightful, but I think I would be better off in hell."

So St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell. Now the doors of the elevator open and he's in the middle of a bar ren land covered with waste and garbage. He sees all his friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags as more trash falls from above. The devil comes over to him and puts his arm around his shoulder.

"I don't understand," stammers the senator. "Yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and clubhouse, and we ate lobster and caviar, drank champagne, and danced and had a great time. Now there's just a wasteland full of garbage and my friends look miserable. What happened?"

The devil looks at him, smiles and says, "Yesterday we were campaigning..... Today you voted."

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

2008

I was inspired by Rich to set up a list of things to do in 365 days. Well actually it all is going to get done by the end of 2008. At least that's the goal.

Here's my list:

Get credit report. Set up payment plan to pay something off Dec. '08. I actually paid one credit card off as of Jan.22. I plan on paying something else off by December.

Learn something new - Take a dance class I've been looking into this already, there is a Chicago Style Step Class that is in the process of being established. I'm ready to sign up for that one as soon as NC Steppers Club get it together!

Attend the museum, art gallery and the zoo

Take care of my skin with weekly facials, masks, & mircro-dermabrasions. Continue to moisturize and tone. [on going]

Find a quality Primary Care Physician. My health care program doesn't require it anymore but its always best to know one doctor that has my best interest at heart.

Find a dentist

Increase my savings account by $1000, and don't touch it!!!!!!

Find a church, visit someplace new to worship at least once a month.

Do my taxes before March 1

Establish another source of income

Barack the Vote '08 BABY!!! This man must get the Democratic Nomination to make this happen.

Driving Fast & Going No Where




In February, Michigan will launch a 30-day speeding ticket frenzy.

The state estimates that 9 million dollars will be generated in
speeding tickets. 1 million will go to pay state troopers overtime.


There will be 50 state troopers on duty 24/7 patrolling the
following highways AND MORE!

I-75 North and South
I-94 From to Port Huron
Entire length of I-96 & I-696
I-275 North and South
M-10 Lodge Fwy
Ann Arbor
>

Now, 5 mph above the limit can justify a ticket, and every state
trooper is supposed to pull a car over and write a ticket every 10
minutes. They have issued 30 brand new unmarked Crown Victoria
cruisers and they are bringing all their part timers on full time.


* Wear your seat belt,
* have nothing hanging from the rear view mirror,
* no cracks in your windshield,
* and use your turn signals!