True story:

I was suppose to go on a trip this past weekend to Savannah with some ladies form church and I really needed it. But unfortunately, I had some truck issues that cost a bit more than I bargained for and I couldn't go. I was mad, upset and irritated. I was telling Tony Friday how these things always seems to happen to me. I try to do everything in order and "right" but it never pans out the way I want it too. I have 50 million things around the house that need fixing or taken care of and I can't. My brother never returns my calls or texts,could be dead for all I know. My schedule is the same thing for me day in and day out, boring. And then, he and I have just had discussions about our relationship that are not bad, but not moving like I want them too. He started telling me the stuff I tell everyone else who gets in those "ruts" and actually I really didn't want to hear it. I think he could tell by the look on my face. But he told me anyway. He said " maybe we should try to go to the Whodini concert" but he didn't realize that the concert was the next day and this was not our pay week so that was out too. I went to bed madder than I started out and with a serious headache.

Saturday morning:

All the kids are getting ready to go with my ex husband to a picnic so at least I would get the house to myself for a while. Better than nothing I guess. 8:30 my doorbell rings and I am fussing because the ex is early picking them up. I yell for Khaaliq to go to the door and tell him just a minute. Khaaliq comes running back and said " Its Mr Ken from church. He just wanted you to know he was in the backyard." In my backyard? Why and its 8:30 on a SATURDAY morning.... So I throw on some clothes and go outside to not only Ken, but about 8 people from my church who thought I was going to be out of town in Savannah and they had come to do my yard work. Cutting grass, trimming hedges, picking up sticks and limbs... you name it. I didn't know what to think or say but I did thank God for them coming because I hadn't even thought about the yard, too much else to do. The yard was beautiful when they finished and as they left I thought to myself, THANK YOU GOD for this, but EH.......

I decided to go call and friend to see if she was up and we came up with the idea of eating breakfast at her house and watching a movie. I didn't have anything else to do, so why not. As I was talking to her, I get a text message from a mutual friend of our and it says "I have two tickets for the concert tonight, want them?" OKAY, is this a joke or what....Not only did I get his two tickets, the friend I was having breakfast with had two tickets that other people did not want so she gave them to me. Four tickets to this concert for Tony and I, plus whoever else I wanted to go with us. Alright God, MAYBE this is you or it could just be some kind of coincidence. Either way, we are going to the concert tonight. : )

I tried to text Tony while we were watching the movie to tell him what had happened that morning but he was in the hunting field so I figured he would just text me later on and sure enough about an hour later my phone goes off. The text says

" Hey, how are you, what are y'all up too?"

But it wasn't Tony, it was my brother. I kid you not. I have not spoken or heard from him in 2 or 3 weeks at least. I got chill bumps...I thought about the conversation the night before and I was like " hmmmmmm, no... can't be...."

Tony decided to go to church with me Sunday and Ken, the same guy who came to help with my yard was guest speaking... on Love. And as he was preaching, I heard him say and talk about the very same things Tony and I had discussed about our relationship that Friday night. I felt a lump in my throat because every once in a while,. Tony would squeeze my hand or give me a nudge when he said it. And at that point, I KNEW it was not coincidence at all.

I didn't pray for any of that stuff actually. It was more fussing and complaining but God, well I guess decided to show me. Tony told me last night " I will only say this once and I will leave it alone, but this weekend was an eye opener for you and for me. I couldn't have planned that, it had to be God."

And he was right. So caught up in my wants and needs. Trying to ask God for help but still had my hand on it, not giving it to him completely to deal with. So he took every thing that came out of my big mouth on Friday and make it come to pass.If people say God isn't real, they say He still doesn't answer prayers (even unspoken ones) or can't do miracles.. they are wrong and you can tell them Tony and I said so.....


I pray you all have a wonderful Monday. Until next time, Lord willing....

So this morning I had all intentions on getting up and going to the gym. I set my alarm clock at 4:45 and was gonna be there in time for the 5:30 SPIN class. As a normal part of my morning routine, I got my phone and decided to see who was up and out on Facebook already. I know I know... kinda sad but oh well, it's what I do. So as I am scanning down, I see a friend of mine is flying in to Albany to go on a trip with some other friends this weekend, I see people posting really positive messages and scriptures and then something caught my eye. Someone who I went to high school with (he is 3 yrs younger than me) had a number of posting that implied he was not happy with his life and he was about to do something about that. We are not close friends, we didn't hang out in school, but we are FB friends and immediately I went into shock mode. I noticed that he worked with a friend of mine so I called him (at 5 this morning) and told him what was going on. Long story short, I ended up sitting outside his job waiting to see if he made it to work. He did... my friend got him to come out and talk to me and I just told him that nothing is so bad to want to leave this earth before God is ready for us too and to really pray and pray hard and I would be too!

There are so many people around us hurting right now for all kinds of reason. And even though so of those reason seem to make no sense to us, it doesn't mean that it is not hurting them inside to the point of not wanting to be here anymore. We have got to start taking time to get to know the people we associate and deal with. Step outside of our own comfort zones and be willing to do things we may not be use too. And on the flip side of that, we need to be willing to open up to people if we are having problems. God gave us friends for that reason. To be there for each other in times of need.

Please pray for James. I have no clue what all is going on in his life, but I know he is hurting and needs all the prayers we can give.

I love you all and until next time, Lord willing....

I was baptized in December of 1986. At 13, I knew "exactly what I wanted in life" (HA!) and what it was going to take for me to get it. I was gonna graduate from high school, go to law school, get married and have 2.5 kids and oh yeah, go to heaven cause I did get baptized of course.

At 28, I had lost my mind. I thought I knew what I wanted, although through all the alcohol, it was a little blurred. I did graduate from high school, but trying to get through college now with three kids and no husband seemed like a lost cause and heaven, well.... I was only 28, so I had time to think about that .... later on.

"And so I insist—and God backs me up on this—that there be no going along with the crowd, the empty-headed, mindless crowd. They've refused for so long to deal with God that they've lost touch not only with God but with reality itself. They can't think straight anymore. Feeling no pain, they let themselves go in sexual obsession, addicted to every sort of perversion. But that's no life for you. You learned Christ! My assumption is that you have paid careful attention to him, been well instructed in the truth precisely as we have it in Jesus. Since, then, we do not have the excuse of ignorance, everything—and I do mean everything—connected with that old way of life has to go. It's rotten through and through. Get rid of it! And then take on an entirely new way of life—a God-fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces his character in you." - Ephesians 4:17-24

Giving up a way of life that you are so use too is not always easy. People throw it up in your face more times than a few and honestly, it's easier to be the person PEOPLE want you to be and alot more fun. But if we are to truly grow in Christ, the way God wants us too, we have to make a conscience effort to leave the past just where it is. Don't beat yourself up about the woulda, coulda, shoulda's and don't let anyone else do it to you. I had to let go of alot of things and people associated with my past. And honestly, that was probably one of the hardest things I have ever done, but things are better now. Not perfect or without issues, but better.

Just some thoughts in my mixed up head.......

I pray you all have a great day and until next time, Lord willing.....

Khaaliq is pretty mean when he does not eat for a long period of time. When he wakes up in the mornings, he doesn't want to talk, he doesn't want to smile, I actually think he would love it if he could just roll down the hall instead of walk. So after 4 or 5 yells of "GET UP KHAALIQ", he grumbles, gets up, and stomps down the hall straight to the kitchen. He grabs the first thing not moving that is some form of nourishment, and makes these really odd sounds at the kitchen table. Within a few minutes (food gone of course), he gets up, puts his dishes in the sink and starts talking. It's pretty much none stop talking from there too just fyi.....lol

Brianna cannot walk by a person standing on the outside of a store asking for money or food. It literally upsets her. I guess as adults, we are so jaded to the world because of this and that, that we can walk by and it not touch us in some kind of way. We were walking out of the BP station last week and a guy was asking for change and honestly, it really didn't phase me. I kept on walking but i noticed I didn't hear Bri behind me. She was digging in her pockets to see if she had change. She didn't so she ran up to the car, asked me to "look please in my purse for some". I kind of grumbled, but I looked and gave her all I had and she smiled and took it back to the man. When she got in the car, she said " I would feel bad when I got home drinking my green tea and eating my chips knowing he didn't have any".

And once again, my kids have made me think... how encouraged I am when I am filled up. How much simpler and better life is when I am not running on empty (or my belly is full, as in Khaaliq's case). It doesn't take much. A listening ear, a shoulder to cry on or even a smile or kind word. It's not always about money, but if you have a little extra, what harm would it do to buy someone lunch, ask them over for dinner or just drop off a bag of groceries "just because".

So my kids have challenged me in a few different ways. I could let alot of things fill me up..... anger, greed, jealousy, worries or I can choose to let positive things fill my thoughts and mind. I can encourage others in whatever way possible and if God puts an opportunity in front of me to help someone, then I will.

"Get along among yourselves, each of you doing your part. Our counsel is that you warn the freeloaders to get a move on. Gently encourage the stragglers, and reach out for the exhausted, pulling them to their feet. Be patient with each person, attentive to individual needs. And be careful that when you get on each others nerves you don't snap at each other. Look for the best in each other, and always do your best to bring it out." - I Thessalonians 5:13-15

I pray you all have a wonderful, wonderful, blessed weekend!! Until next time, Lord willing.....

If any of you have me as a friend on Facebook, you saw this last night, but I had to share it again this morning....

I went to pick Brianna up early last night from work, so the boys and I decided to go in for a drink and wait. I went in and started talking to Bri and another of her co-workers and this guy (about 28 or so I guess) came from the kitchen basically yelling, but really excited. He looked at me and said " Is your last name Washington?" I said yes, thinking that he was going to ask about Brianna being my daughter but he said " your mom's name was Barbara?" I just kinda looked at him and thought, he must have been one of her students. (she was a Special Education teacher at Albany Middle) I said yes. Then he said you had a baby. I smiled and pointed at Bri and he said yeah, I remember her having two pigtails all the time... lol. Then he said " I was even at her funeral. It was at that church off of Gillionville." Again, I said yes. With that he kind of trotted to the back. So I sat down with Chris and Khaaliq thinking about my mom since he had kind of put her in my head. Then he came out and sat next to me in the booth. He said " Your mom was so sweet. She taught me how to read. She was the reason I passed middle school. She was really special." I held back tears and said thank you for that. And with that, he went back to work.

God gave my mom a gift. And she did just what He wanted her to do with it, she used it to serve others. She loved to teach and she LOVED her students. I was talking to a friend this morning and she said people may forget your face after a while, but they sure will remember if you help them. And 13 years later, he did.

I was again reminded about what Pam says " be blessed and be a blessing." I have been so guilty lately of worrying and thinking about me. What is going on with me. The problems I am having. When are things going to get better for me. I have been so consumed, that I have let many opportunities pass by to be a blessing to someone else. I have said before, its not about the money you spend, the stuff you have, it's just about showing God love to the people who need it.


I pray you all had a wonderful weekend and I hope that today is just as great! Until next time, "be a blessing".....

Good Monday Morning loves!

I can remember being in middle and high school and being picked on alot. I guess that's what kids do. The thing with me was being overweight. I have never been a small person and I was also never short, so I heard it alot. Even from my brother, who got the tall part but not the weight. I can remember making myself sick so that I could call my mom and go home. Sometimes I still hear those words when I wanna work out or even if I am eating and that was over 20 years ago...

Last week, I said some really hurtful things to someone that I love very much. Honestly, I think the stuff I said was stuff I needed to say, but I sure didn't need it to come out like it did. I got angry and I let that anger get the best of me and my emotions, something I said I would never do again, but I did.

My son, who is not a small child himself, got in trouble at school last week for calling a little girl fat.

Yesterday, a conversation I had with some friends that came to town went kinda in left field. It's not that the things we were saying were wrong, but sometimes as parents, even though we mean well, kids don't understand and can get their feelings hurt.

A friend of mine got hurt yesterday by someone who thinks that just because you throw a "LOL" behind what you say will make it funny to everyone. It doesn't. And what makes it worse, is when other people around don't say anything or stand up for what is right...

Who ever said "sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me"... lied.

Ephesians 4:29 - "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Everyday, whether we think about it or not, we are shaping and molding someone else's life by the words that we use with them. As Christians, we need to know when and IF to even speak, or if our task is to just listen. How will our words impact others...build them up or tear them down...

I pray this e-mail finds you all safe and sound. The weekend was really good, weather was beautiful.

Please remember to be praying for Mrs. Heath and Mrs. Daniels and their health and also for my friends who are still looking for job (Angie, Valerie, Pam, Darlene). Oh and don't forget our teens, Morgan and Brianna!! : )

I love you all bunches, and remember, "be a blessing" to someone.. it sure made my day last week!

Last night I heard that a person I went to high school with had lost her son in an accident. He was on his way back from Florida with two of his best friends and they hit an ambulance head on. He and another guy were killed instantly. One was taken to the hospital in critical condition and the two ambulance workers were also listed in critical condition. This morning they said that the other best friend also passed away. My schoolmates son was 19. He had just graduated from basic training in San Antonio and was leaving for the Air Force soon. His long time girlfriend, is pregnant with his daughter. I watched the news clip again this morning and saw the sadness and pain and I realized that my problems didn't really seem so big anymore.

I pray for Daphne, her family and all the families that lost their child in this accident. I can't imagine what she is going through right now but I pray she knows that even through this, that their lives are and were not wasted, that God will never leave them or let them walk alone.

Continue to also pray for Mrs. Heath and Mrs. Daniels and their health, for my friends who are still job searching.. Angie, Darlene, Valerie, Pam.. for Morgan and Brianna.

Be blessed my friends and remember , be a blessing to someone. Today is not promised to any of us. There is no guarantee that we will live to be 80 or 90 years old, so make every moment count! Love ya and until next time, Lord willing....

I went to Pearly's this morning and as I pulled up to the drive thru window, I heard a conversation between the two girls at the drive thru.

"Well, she was really rude to that guy. Said he didn't look right"

"Well, she shouldn't be like that towards anyone. How does she know that wasn't Jesus? And then what.. what would she say? You can't go by the way a person looks, you have to be nice to everyone."

And then she walked off to get my food. What a great lesson for the morning! I can't say I have been rude to someone who looks different but I have formed opinions based on looks and that's not right. We need to treat everyone the way we want to be treated. Jesus didn't pick and choose the people He wanted to be around. He went into all types of situations with all types of people. Who are we to think we are better than Christ? So the next time you pass someone who may not look, act or even smell the best, take a moment to be nice. It's pretty inexpensive and who knows, that person may be needing it. Remember... "be a blessing"...

Please remember in your prayers Mrs Heath (Charlene's mom) and her treatments but also that today is her 71st birthday!! Happy Birthday Momma Heath.... God is good!!!

Remember Ms. Daniels (Shauwan's mom). Shauwan just called me and said her mom's count was up to 77 which is the highest its been in a long time so thank you God for answered prayers!!!! Mr Aycock (Angie's dad), Valerie, Darlene, Angie (as they continue the job search), my friend Pam, who is also looking for a new job and like many of us, the stresses of life are trying to take over and just needs prayers to have the strength to make it through some tough situations. I miss you Pam!! My friend Quanda and her new baby boy, and Brianna and Morgan. I hope I didn't forget anyone.. if I did, I am so sorry, please respond and I will add it!

Until next time, Lord willing, "be blessed and be a blessing!!"

Last week Chris was given a project. He had to "grow" some candy. Rock candy. Now I have eaten rock candy before (not good for your teeth mind you), but never knew how it was made. Three cups of sugar and one cup of boiling water, color optional. All I could think when we were stirring in that pot was, "well if it doesn't work, we can always go to the mall and buy one so at least it will show you tried!!"

So we mix, poured in a glass, covered, and just waited.

Day one... nothing.
Day two...I saw something, not sure what floating on top, but I was starting to make plans to head to the candy shop.
Day two and a half... I think we should change glasses cause something ain't right.
Day three...what is this I see, something on the bottom?? Sugar maybe, and it seems to actually be making its way on the stick too.
Day four...it sticks!!!!!
Day five... a full fledged rock candy stick!!!




Oh ME of little faith.....

As Christians, our desire should be to grow deeper and trust more in the Lord. But even though we try as hard as we can, our faith is weak and sometimes not stable. Some days we get a "hmmmmm maybe this will work" while later on that same day we get a " I am not going to make it!!". How long is it going to take us (and I am talking to myself too) to realize that we cannot outsmart God. Until we get the "junk" out of our lives, the things that hinder us from following God with our entire minds, bodies and souls, then we will never be able to grow like we need to. We are all going to have things that test us, and we need to make sure that our faith is strong enough to get us through those times.

I pray you all had a great Monday. Until next time, "be blessed and be a blessing" to someone!

iPod Touch

Khaaliq turns 10 on September 5th. My baby is no longer a baby, he's growing up. But along with the growing up comes bigger "wish lists" for birthdays and other holidays. This one is no different.

The boys spent the weekend with their dad but he brought them back this morning to get ready for school. I laid their clothes out and hopped in the shower myself. When I got out, I found the attached two letters on my bed....

Now I get this all the time from them. The boys anyway. They never come out and ASK me for anything, I just get notes strategically placed around the house. I laughed and finished getting dressed. Khaaliq will be 10 and I love his dimpled cheeks to pieces but he is too young (in my house anyway) for an iPod touch. One, it's an expensive gift and he's not the best with taking care of his things and two, his sister got hers when she was 13 so I kinda like to keep them on the same track with stuff like that. So I will come up with another gift for my baby, something I know he will love, but have to deal the look of disappointment which really breaks my heart.

Matthew 7:7 says " Ask, and it shall be given unto you...", but we all know as adults, that sometimes when we ask God for things, we don't always get what we want. God knows what's best for us even though we seem to think we have all the answers for our lives. Sometimes we ask and it may take minutes, hours, days or even years to get an answer. That's the patience thing I always have a hard time with. But even with that, I feel like God is prepping us for something that is so wonderful, that what we asked for will seem like nothing. And sometimes, well, it's just not meant to be, period. And those are the times that make us sit back and wonder if God really is even listening to us, because after all, He DOES want us happy right?

I've been praying and thinking about some things lately and I haven't gotten my answer yet.. well at least I don't think I have (still trying to figure that one out too), but I know that one way or the other, God will show me the way. He always does.... and on the 5th, when Khaaliq wakes up for his birthday and the iPod is not there...well, lets hope that he understands that good things come to those that wait.

I pray you all had a wonderful weekend. I actually got nothing done that I planned and that bummed me out, but I'm okay now. Just have more to do next weekend is all!

Please keep in your prayers Mrs. Heath (Charlene), Mrs Daniels (Shauwan), who did get to go home and be at her granddaughter's 1st birthday party, Mr. Aycock (Angie's dad), Valerie, Darlene and Angie as they are looking for jobs, Quanda and her new baby boy, Brianna and Morgan (Valerie's daughter) because high school and being a teenager are not as easy as it was when we were growing up, and everyone who was effected by the storms this past weekend.

Even if we don't get everything we want, we have more than we need...we are a blessed people. Act like it!!

Until next time, Lord willing....

So I have been talking with a friend this morning about life and how it is stressing me right now. How sometimes you have to find the little things that make getting out of bed worthwhile even when you don't want too. How you can't take on everyone else's problems even though you have the best of intentions because you want to help them (some people are beyond help I think) cause you really need to deal with your own stuff and seems like no one is ever around for THAT conversation. And then as I hit "send" on my whine to her, I hit my in box and this was there....

Find the Giggle
by Marilyn Meberg

"I love to laugh. I believe a giggle is always loitering about even in the most devastating of circumstances. I make a point of shuffling through the rubble in search of that giggle.
This isn’t denial. I need to feel and express my pain. But I also need to find the light side—and there is always a light side! I’ve noticed that when I laugh about some minor part of a problem or controversy or worry, the whole situation suddenly seems much less negative to me. After a good laugh, I can then rethink my circumstances. As a result, that which was threatening may now seem less threatening."

Marilyn Meberg is a Women of Faith speaker and one of the reason I hate I am going to miss going again this year. Trying to find the calm, the light in a situation, the giggle... well, let's just say it is not the first thing on my mind when I have problems. I'd much rather sulk, whine and lock myself up from the world around me... except, I gotta come out, or the kids will come in! lol

So I stopped, said a prayer to myself and really vowed to have a good day. A positive day even if I don't really want too. To realize that yeah, my situation my not be a fun one for me right now, but there really are alot of people who have it a whole lot worse. God is good in ALL situations, even the ones we raise our eyebrows at.

I pray that whatever you all are going through, whether people know or not, that you too find the giggle in it...



Until next time... "Be blessed and be a blessing!"

After I dropped Christian off this morning at school, I was headed to work and got stopped by a traffic light. As I was waiting for the green light I looked over and noticed a man on a payphone. I also noticed that in all the cars around me, the people sitting in them were looking at him too. Now first of all, I didn't even know p[payphones still existed and second, why would you want to use one anyway.. germs and all. The man was probably in his mid to late 50's, and I assume was driving the truck parked next to the payphone, a city work truck. And I couldn't help but say to myself.. now he is driving a work truck so he has a job, why in the world does he not have a cell phone. But it didn't seen to bother him, as he talked and actually was leaning on the phone laughing. I drove on as the light turned green shaking my head in disbelief.

Then I got to work, and I was still thinking about that man. I mean I felt sorry for him. I had just had a conversation a week ago with Tony about the new iPhone 5 coming out and how I KNEW he was getting it even though he already have the iPhone 4 and how although I have a Droid X, I sure could "USE" a Droid 3... cause it's faster ya know.....

The world encourages us to be materialistic you know. You have to always have bigger, better and faster just to keep up with the times. And we don't even have to pay cash for them right then. We have credit cards and even buy now pay later. It's all so convenient. and never once do we stop to think about how much we don't really NEED all this stuff, how life can be so much simpler and how much debt we could not be dealing with if we had just been satisfied with what God provided for us.

"Don't be obsessed with getting more material things. Be relaxed with what you have. Since God assured us, "I'll never let you down, never walk off and leave you," we can boldly quote, God is there, ready to help; I'm fearless no matter what.Who or what can get to me." - Hebrews 13:5 (Message)

I have no clue if that man on that payphone had a cell phone or not, or even if he was a Christian but I am thinking that he may have the right idea. and the idea that Christians should have. Wanting to have nice things is okay, there is nothing wrong with it I don't think, but when it keeps you away from God, when you are so consumed with getting the latest and greatest and can't wait to show it off, it won't be long before we lose sight of God's word and then what kind of message is that going to send to the world around us.

I pray you are all having a blessed week! Please keep Ms Daniels in your prayers. Shauwan text me this morning and said her mom's count was really low and she is going to 4 treatments a day. Also for Ms Heath and her cancer treatments.

Until next time, Lord willing.... I Love you all

The mornings in my house during school, no matter how organized we try to be, tends to be a bit crazy. Three kids, three different schools and things going on, everyone in the bathroom at the same time, (praise God I have my own bathroom..lol). And every morning like clockwork, the last question I ask is " Check your bags, do you have everything you need?"

This morning on top of the normal rush, we had to make a Wal-mart run. So we all get up and hour early, and get ready to go out the door. I ask my questions, "Do you all have everything, heck now!?" I get back a resounding YES from them all and off we go. After the Wal Mart run, I take the youngest to school first. Then its off to Robert Cross, with 15 mins to spare. Traffic is crazy by now and we are kinda singing w/ the radio. I am on Westover now, right by the high school and I hear " Momma I left my notebook on the counter" UGHHHHHHHHHHHHH I am HOT now! And I know what you are thinking.. make him suffer, don't go get it. But this notebook has ALL his classwork, homework, everything in it, I do NOT want him to make zeros cause that would be another butt beating in addition to the one he is about to get for even leaving the notebook in the first place. So I whip around and all I can hear Brianna say is " get your butt muscles in order" and I am fussing the whole way home.

"You gotta use your time better". "This is why I tell you to get all your stuff at night together so you won't leave any of it." "You're gonna learn." " I don't have time for this this morning." and on and on.... I think he got the hint by the time we got back to the house and if he didn't, well, I hope he works on them muscles like Brianna said cause he was tardy for class and that would be a day of detention.

"Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise,making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." - Ephesians 5:15-16 (NIV)

It's very true that in my house, there is ALWAYS something going on. We are up before the sun and normally don't even make it home until the moon is up most days, but I (as we all are) are still accountable to God for the time we spend and how we spend it. We need to be aware of HOW we use our time, WHAT we use our time on and are these things pleasing to God because one day, we will answer for it.

I pray you all have a wonderful Tuesday. Softball has started and we have a game today.. GO SQUAWS!!!

Please keep in mine the people we have on our prayer list:

Ms. Heath
Ms. Daniels
Brianna (and me please)
Darlene
and also, I got a call this morning from my cousin and I have three cousins who are having surgeries tomorrow here in town. Two found lumps and they are doing biopsies to remove the tissue and see if it's cancer, and I am not sure what the other surgery is but please be praying for them. Their names are Cathy, Antria, and Denise.

Have a good Tuesday and remember " be blessed and be a blessing".

Making the most out of bad stuff...

Khaaliq, my youngest got a spanking last week. I don't even remember for what because he gets them so frequently, but nevertheless, he got it. I noticed that even though I did my normal spanking routine.. explained why he was getting it, told him that this did not mean I didn't love him, and held back my own tears (cause yeah, I hate to do it), he really didn't cry like normal. I just chalked that one up to him getting tougher and realizing that maybe I have to change up my tactics some.

This morning, my ex husband came to pick the boys up as usual and decided to take Khaaliq to school first and come back to get Chris because he was not ready. When he came back he and Chris were at the table and he said " Did Christian tell you what Khaaliq said?" I always hold my breath when people ask me that question because you never know WHAT will come out of his mouth but I said " No". They both die laughing and said the last time you gave Khaaliq a spanking did you notice he didn't cry much? Yeah, I guess, why? "Well," he said, " Khaaliq said when you went to get the belt, he rushed to put on four pair of his boxer shorts under his shorts so he wouldn't feel it and then he said he kind of made his bottom go up in the air to make sure you would hit it instead of his legs"

All I could do was laugh... the things we do to make our situations better.

When you are dealing with situations that you really don't want to deal with, we try to make the best of it. If your attitude is automatically negative, then guess what, the situation will not be good. Being upset and angry, finding someone who will sulk with is is not right and does not please God. But if we choose to change our attitudes and our actions to the situation, we can actually find something positive in the whole thing and maybe learn from the situation.

Aww what a fun way to start my Friday off. I pray you all have a blessed and happy weekend. Stay safe and please remember Mrs. Heath, Mrs Daniels, Brianna (and me), and Darlene in your prayers this weekend.

Love you all and until next time, Lord willing.... "be blessed and be a blessing"

oh and by the way.... I'll be checking for extra undies on the next spanking! : )

"I am not my hair...."

In a few weeks, I am cutting my hair off. Pretty much all of it. I have a relaxer in my hair and for my friends who don't understand the process of a relaxer on black hair (I love y'all...**MUAHHH**), the relaxer straightens my hair. Makes it bouncy and stuff, but a while ago, I had a natural. No relaxer, no chemicals, it was more of an Afro and I loved it. I could kick myself for ever getting rid of it. So anyway, I want it back but in order to get the big Afro back, it's gotta start out kind of little. So I spent the last few weeks "prepping" some folks for this chop. I told Tony and the kids and I got this look of disgust. They like it long. Told a few friends and I got mixed reviews... some are like " ohhh cute, I loved it like that" and some " ahhhhh, you're gonna look like a boy." Maybe, except with jewelry and a little lipstick. But never the less.. it's getting cut.

Then I started thinking this morning, why do I care what people think about my hair? Having it long or short, straight or kinky does not change me, the person inside. So why am I so concerned about their reactions? ...Because in the world we live in, we have been programmed to do things to be accepted, and almost at any cost.

And sadly even sometimes in church, we are programmed the same way. We have to have the biggest building because that will surly make more people come, we have to drive the best cars because they know we "have something" then, wear the most popular name brand, have the best sound systems and choirs or praise teams in town so we can get invited to other places..... the list goes on and on. No one wants to be rejected or hurt, laughed and talked about, so we conform to the things around us to "fit in" and make it seems like we are the same as everyone else.

I read this in a devotion a few days ago:

"The challenge of being true to who we are- realization that no one else's skin will really fit on our body- the inner knowing that we are loved by God and others for who we are. Could a God who knows all really be satisfied with relationship with us when we are less than true to who He created us to be? Could He deeply interact with us when we try to relate to Him through our facades? He, after all, is the One who really knows we are faking it."

Maybe this doesn't make sense to some of you, but it did to me. To really be in Christ deeply, to know Him and be about His business, we have to be that unique person God created. If God wanted us all alike, same clothes, same hair, same goals, same abilities, then guess what, He would have done that back in the Garden. But He didn't. He wants us to use the gifts He gave us, our very own uniqueness I guess to further us and other in His kingdom.

I pray you all have a wonderful, peaceful day. Until next time... Lord willing.. and oh.. P.S. -- I'm not stressing the hair anymore, it will grow back... :)

So the first week of school is over and after only one breakdown over 6th grade Language Arts homework (and that was me and not Christian) we managed to make it through the week. It's been a while since I had a middle schooler, and well, let me just say, I see alot of communication between me and the teacher so I can keep up!

Have you ever had one of those days where you knew something was going on. You had a gut feeling but you really couldn't put your finger on it. Like you should be remembering something but you have no clue what it is. I was like that all last week. I honestly had no clue and with school starting, it didn't much matter anyway. And then my brother text me....

" It's a sad day"

And then it hit me, hard. I know I have said this for the past few years, but it really is true. It had been 13 years this past Friday that my mom passed away and I didn't remember until he sent me that message. Some kind of mental block I guess. I figure it keeps the pain and stress out that way. But I knew something was going on, in my gut. So that pretty much took care of my weekend. I never talked to my brother this weekend, only text, because I knew if I did, both of us wouldn't be getting too much done. So I did like I always do.... stayed home, cried a little, thought alot and wrote.

I thought about how I REALLY needed her Thursday night with that middle school work cause I knew she would know just want to do. Thought about ho she would be beaming ear to ear knowing that Brianna had her first job. Thought about how Khaaliq probably would have her wrapped around his finger like he does me. Thought about those days that we would just go to the mall and walk. Window shopping mostly, maybe having a iced coffee from Books A Million and just talking. She just knew how to take the stress away. I miss that most. So I went and got some flowers... I haven't been able to take them just yet, but I will... this week.

What can I say.... it never goes away but with God's help, I seem to push through.
John 14 :27 (NIV) "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

I pray you all had a wonderful weekend. Remember folks, "be blessed and be a blessing" always! Until next time, Lord willing...

JOY last! (Jesus, Others, Yourself last)

So I read this article on Yahoo Sports this morning:

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Steelers-coach-sells-Mercedes-to-team-cafeteria-?urn=nfl-wp4503

My first thought was , WOW what a nice guy to give this man his car like that. But then as I looked over the article again, I read that the coach asked the guy could he borrow whatever money he had in his packet and the guy reached in and handed him a 20. Now, I am not in Mr. Horton's checkbook, but as a coach for a national league football team, driving a Mercedes, I would imagine money is not an issue for him. I would also assume, that the two men led very different lifestyles, but again, I do not know this for sure. But what I do know and read was that Mr. Matthews didn't even think twice about giving this guy whatever money he had on him. And I thought, WOW, to have that kind of giving heart.

He was getting ready to bless someone and turns out, he got blessed as well. I know all stories won't and don't turn out like this one, but I can definitely see Christ in Mr Matthews actions!

I pray you all have a wonderful and blessed weekend. Today is my Friday and I am off tomorrow, thank you Lord!

Please don't forget Mrs. Heath. Mrs Daniels, Brianna, and me in your prayers. Also add my friend Darlene. Her family is about to go through a "shift" I guess you could say thanks to (once again, sighhh) our economy and she could just use some positive prayers.

Love you all bunches and until next time, Lord willing...

I talked with a friend of mine this past weekend and she had some pretty upsetting news. And although she had come to a certain peace about the situation, it was still not a good one to be in. I have two friends that are dealing with some major stress with their moms being very ill. On top of just everyday living and life, the possible thought of a parent not being here, well it's pretty devastating. I went to the funeral of a friend a few weeks ago. He was m age and I bet his parents never thought they would have to bury their son. It's just not suppose to work that way in our eyes.

So it got me to thinking.

James 5:13-16 (The Message) - "Are you hurting? Pray. Do you feel great? Sing. Are you sick? Call the church leaders together to pray and anoint you with oil in the name of the Master. Believing-prayer will heal you, and Jesus will put you on your feet. And if you've sinned, you'll be forgiven—healed inside and out. Make this your common practice: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed. The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with."

And that last verse.... "the prayer of a person living right with God is something POWERFUL to be reckoned with!!" We have to be in constant prayer and communication with God. There is so much going on in the world around us and sometimes, well for me anyway, I can barely think straight much less try to talk to God and ask for help. So why not pray for each other. But not just pray for each other, do it by name. Most of you don't know each other, but I figure since we have been communicating this long and are still here, well God must have done that for a reason. So, if the feeling hits you and it doesn't make you too uncomfortable... if you ever need specific prayers, just reply all to any of my e-mails and we got you!! We have to get to a point (myself included) where we don't let our own selfish pride get in the way of having a better more productive life in Christ.

So, being as these people have replied before, I know I can go ahead and add these to our list:

Ms. Jesse Daniels (Shauwan's mom) -- please be praying that the doctors get her medicines tweaked right so that her plasma/blood count stays up and that she feels better. I talked to her last week and she actually sounded great but I need for her to stay that way! And pray for Shauwan (and her brother).... me and her have been through alot together and I know although strong in faith, it's a really scary situation to watch her mom go through this.

Mrs. Zenobia Heath (Charlene's mom) - a few months ago I guess it has been, they found cancer and she started her chemo treatments. Last week she had a heart attack that had her in the hospital for a week. Please pray for comfort and peace for Mrs Heath. Again, watching a parent suffer, whewww.... there are just no words, honestly, but God is good in all situations and this one is no different. Please pray for Charlene too.. I think the back and forth to the hospital caught up with her and she got a little sick too last week.

Brianna (that's my baby) ... just that she makes wise and smart decisions. When I was growing up, things were VERY different than they are now. Pressures and things kids get into are not what I even thought about so we tend to clash on those. But she's a smart girl, talented beyond anything I ever did so I know it's there .. I just need her to see it too! And of course me. Honestly, there are still days when I just don't even want to get out of bed. It's easier that way. The economy, every time I think about it, it makes my head swell. Just pray that God continues (as I pray He will) to allow me to be able to just take care of my kids and the things they need. Help keep my attitude positive even though sometimes I wanna scream and help me stay focused on the things that need to be done.

So that's my list. You'll probably see those names alot, just without all the details each time. And really, it doesn't take that long, it doesn't have to be fancy because God doesn't work like that... but just pray! "The prayer of a person living right with God is something POWERFUL to be reckoned with."

I love you all bunches.. have a wonderful Tuesday and as always, "be blessed and be a blessing!!"

Today was the first day of school for our school system. I was all pumped up, so ready for them to go back because I cannot tell you how much my food and utility bills go up during the summer, among other things. Plus I can get back to some form of routine.

So this morning I got up early and cooked breakfast and decided to take all three of the kids to school this morning. (They are for the first time in three different schools). First Khaaliq. He's in the 4th grade but still wanted momma to walk him in. So of course I did, and he was a big boy about. Brianna who is in the 11th grade this year, does not need me to walk in and directed me to drop her off at the side door cause she has some kind of "swagg" she needs to show off. Whatever.

Then there is Christian. He is in the 6th grade this year. Middle School and well, I think I was more emotional then he was. He wanted me to go in with him, but then he didn't. So I went in anyway, and walked down the hall with him. I felt the lump forming but I held it in. We got to the class and he just slid in and disappeared. I stood there a minute, not really sure if he was gonna come back out and say hi, or bye or anything. But nothing. So I slinked back down the hall. I saw a teacher there that I actually had when I went there in Middle School and she gave me a hug and just said " I know I know, its gonna be okay" and she just kinda laughed at me. I walked out of the school and came to work.

I Chronicles 28:20 - "David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the LORD is finished."

Christian is growing up and letting go, as much as I talk about wanting my house all to myself one day, is not always easy to do. I want to protect them from all the things I know that go on in middle school since I have had one that has been through it. I want to sit with him and make sure he makes the right decisions. But like David told his son Solomon, don't worry about it, be strong cause God is right there with you, He's right there with Christian too and all I can do is pray that all the teachings he has learned thus far, stick with him throughout his middle school (and beyond) years. I don't have to worry or cry (although I did a LITTLE), cause as long as he's got God on his side, he is going to be OK.

But just FYI---- I am secretly waiting until 3:15 when he calls me to tell me how it goes!! : )

I pray you all had a great weekend! and until next time, Lord willing, we will talk again. Until then, "be blessed and be a blessing"!!

So I started exercising again. It's been a week now. And I have been trying my best to eat right, but that part takes some time I guess. and it has been good. I have felt good, been sleeping good (probably from being tired) and I know that in time, it will all pay off if I stick to it.

And then I woke up this morning, opened my closet and just stood there a good 10 minutes I know as I proceeded to take out clothes and throw them to the side because they didn't fit, it didn't look right, my STOMACH, UGHHHHHH, too little, too big. And I realized that the whole "it will pay off in time, if I stick to it" was something I wanted right NOW and not in time.

I hate waiting. I like to be able to handle issues and do the stuff I need to do right when it happens. No need in dragging things out. I can't tell you how many times I have prayed to the Lord for Him to give me the answers I need. Of course when I prayed to Him, I wasn't expecting it to take years to get an answer, I kind of wanted it right then. It would have made things a whole lot easier for me I tell ya. But then I wonder if He really HAS answered me and I have so much going on or just don't like the answer I got, and wait for something else. In Psalms it says " I took my troubles to God and He answered."

God really does have plan and purpose for all of our lives and sometimes the things we want, may not be in those plans. God answers our prayers, not always in the way we would like for Him too, in His own and perfect time, which I have told people before, is not necessarily our time frame. We just have to really be still and listen.

I struggle with weight but honestly, I have never prayed about losing weight, or exercising or anything like that. I do however, think it's very important to God that my body is healthy. Now, does that mean I give up McDonald's fries or have to be a perfect size 6... ahhhhhh NOOO so don't look for me to, but I do realize that in order for me to be the best I can be in God's kingdom, all aspects of my life have to be in order. Not just the ones I pick and choose.

I want it now though. I don't want to have to do the work that goes into making all of this happen, but as with anything else in our lives, everything in it's own time and season and for a reason. I just pray God gives me the patience and guidance I need to win this fight too!

Babbling... that's how my brain feels this morning but oh well. : )

I pray you all have had a really great week so far and that it continues. Shauwan's mom is home from the hospital but still has more treatments to take so she will be coming back and forth to the hospital to take those so keep praying! God is listening!! Be blessed everyone and make sure you are passing those blessing along to someone else! Love ya and until next time, Lord willing...

I have always been the type of person who had alot of "friends". Tony is the complete opposite of me. He has a few friends but is really cautious about who he lets in his life, for whatever reason. As I have gotten older though, I realize that not all these people are what I would call true friends. I mean sure, they make me laugh, but do they really love me enough to share with me what God has done for them and vice versa. Are they the kind of friends that are helping me grow in my daily walk with Christ or are they just there so I can say I have 900 "friends" on Facebook?

Things really kind of hit home for me this past weekend. I went to two funerals, one of which was a friend of mine that I worked with. Jeff was a great guy and I really mean that. There is not a soul that can say a negative word about him, not one. But honestly, even after working with him, I have no idea where he was with God. I heard the people talking about him at his funeral and from that I got that he loved God and they knew he was with Jesus now. And that's a good thing, I just never knew it.

I am doing a ladies Bible class at church and I cannot tell you how good that's been for me. And to be quite honest, it's not just about the study. It's about my friends, who pray for and with me, my friends who care if I am making the right choices, my friends who know by the tone of my voice or the look on my face that something is wrong. And its not just to get the latest gossip, it's because they care and want me to be the best I can be for God.

Ephesians 4:16: From him [Christ] the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

Again, I am reminded of what Pam always says, " be blessed and BE A BLESSING". So many times we forget that last part cause we want what we want and tend to forget about the rest of the world. It's not always about giving someone something they can touch, but blessing them with God's word and His love. I thank God for my friends, I really do. They are a true blessing to me and I am not even sure they know it!

I pray for Jeff's family. Death is hard enough, but for a mother to lose a child... I can't imagine. I pray for my friend Shauwan and her mom. They found out that Mrs. Daniels has a rare blood disease that was causing her plasma to basically kill her. Thank GOD they caught it in time and are doing a transfusion as we speak. I saw her Saturday and she was feeling much better. I pray for Charlene's mom, Mrs Heath. She started Chemo and as expected, has good and bad days.

It's been a long weekend. But through it all, God is good. Until next time, be a blessing for someone!

Hey ladies!

I apologize for not writing this week. I have been doing the taxi cab thing for my daughter. She actually got her very first job and starts tonight. So between getting work permits, finding works shoes and her just being a teenager, I have been running like crazy. She is excited. I am excited. It's not like she will be a millionaire from Burger King, but she is about to learn some valuable lessons and she has no idea that it's even coming. She thinks this is going to be a cake walk. The reality of still keeping a B or above average in all of her classes, playing three sports, still having to do her stuff around the house and now a job on top of it... well, lets just say, I think some of my fussing and yelling over the years is about to kick into full force. Say a prayer for her.. she starts tonight AFTER softball practice.. haha!

I love you all and no doubt, this work thing is going to make for some GREAT blogs in the future!!! "Be blessed and be a blessing."

I would say that this past weekend went down in the books as one that was not so good. From the start, it was one drama, one issue after another and I do not do well with
that at all. I think the only time I moved Saturday was to get up and go to the bathroom, and to go talk to my mom and dad for about an hour. My kids, praise God, are old enough to be pretty self sufficient so the cooking, and stuff of that nature, I don't have to worry about if they really need something. Although they stayed under me the entire time I was laying down anyway.

Depression... it's not something I would wish on my worst enemy. And the thing about it is for a long time, you truck along without a care in the world, and then, Satan, well, I guess he gets tired of the fact that you have seemingly no problems so he throws a monkey wrench in everything. So when I got up Sunday morning to get ready for church, honestly I didn't want to go, but I knew once I got there, I would probably be OK. And how right I was.

I love how when God's people get together, things just "happen". Romans 1:12 -
"that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine." From the moment I walked in the door, all the stress and worries went away, literally. I got hugs, kisses from the children there, compliments, and more importantly, encouragement from my Christian family which is what God expects from all of us. And for that I say Thank you! You were and are truly my blessing!

I hope that the weekend for all of you went well. We got some much needed rain and that was NICE! I love you all, and until next time, "be blessed and be a blessing!"

Prayer....

Yesterday was kind of an emotional day for anyone who has been keeping up with the Casey Anthony case. I would say emotions were running kind of high as the court read the NOT GUILTY verdict for the death/murder of her 2 year old child. And I get it, I'm kinda smart actually... burden of proof and all that ya ya....blah blah blah. But she did it and it really didn't and still doesn't seem fair to wake up this morning knowing that after she gets MAYBE a year of two (probably time served) for lying to the police (which also doesn't make much sense), after her books and movies come out and she becomes RICH off of America, that she gets to walk a free woman.

But then as I settled down some, I realized, she is not really free. If in fact she did kill her daughter, her final judge will take care of it. THEN, after I thought about that, I thought about something else.... who am I to judge. I mean really? As awful, as sick and demonic as her crime was..... it really is no worse than any other sin that God talks about. I had to wrap my mind last night around the fact that when I lie, when I use the Lord's name in vain, when I have too much to drink and become drunk, God is not pleased. That there is no where in the Bible that says that one sin is worse than another... and I looked it up last night for a long time cause I was honestly trying to find an OUT for me... but nope, not a one.

And then I realized that, as much as it pains me and Lord knows it does, we gotta pray for Casey too. See, Caylee Anthony is already with our Father, I believe that. No fears, no pains, nothing. But Casey, well, like all of us, needs all the prayers she can get. Even the thief on the cross next to Jesus confessed and asked Jesus to remember him and He did. We set limitations in our minds on sins, the magnitude of them and how WE think they need to be judged, when all along, the Bible only says repent and forgive and that goes for us and Casey. I honestly am going to have to pray hard on this one, I really am cause all I see is a child being hurt, but I know our God is a good God and that He works through every situation under the sun, including this one.

Ahhhh, life... just when I think I have it all figured out.....

There is power in prayer though. I believe that. I have said it over and over. And even sometimes when I am so broken and can't pray for myself, I feel when my friends are doing it for me. God is awesome like that!

This morning, one of my high school classmates needs that prayer. Her name is Charlene and her mom, Zenobia is having her first round of Chemo treatment this morning at 9:15. These treatments are not going to be easy and will probably drain Ms. Zenobia for a while, but I know and believe that God still works miracles today. And there is NOTHING that He can't do. So I am asking that we have a mass prayer this morning. Pray for Ms. Zenobia that the treatments go as smoothly as possible for her w/ little to no side effects, for Charlene and her brothers..... that God keep them strong for their mother and each other.

Good morning everyone! I have to get back into the swing of writing again after being off for the 4th of July! It seems that all my friends went off to the beach without me, but no worries, a good time as still had by my family and me here in Albany. The weather was wonderful!

I pray that you all had a safe and wonderful holiday!

Tomorrow, I will be back on my game. Love you all much and until then... "be a blessing" to someone today!!!

Be a blessing!

A few weeks ago I was taking Brianna and her best friend to basketball practice when we stopped at a store to get her a drink. As she came back out, I noticed 2 men coming out behind her. As she got to the car, the men walk on the side of my car, Brianna stood there and watched them, and finally got into the car. She started telling me that she needed .50 to give to this woman who was standing behind my truck (I never saw her even walk up) and that the 2 guys had given her their change and she needed some to give to the lady. That she told them she had just gotten out of the hospital and she needed some change (for what I have no clue). So I gave her the change I had and her and her best friend got out and gave the woman the money.

As far as that woman goes, she could very well have lied. Who knows, but I was really proud of Brianna for wanting to help someone. The Bible tells us over and over how we are to serve others, help those in need. It was the example that Jesus himself showed everyone. It is not for us to judge what a person will do with the help we give them. God didn't have that as a stipulation in the Bible when He commanded us to help only to "do unto others". And it's not just the people on the streets asking for money. I would be willing to bet that we all come in contact with people everyday that are in need of something. Doesn't have to be money, could be someone in need of a listening ear. But in order to figure all of that out, we have to be willing to put ourselves out there and maybe even in some uncomfortable situations. For those that are blessed enough to have more than what we call basic needs, for those that are good listeners, for those that can fix things or just have a car to take someone to the doctor, we should be more than willing to share what God has so blessed us with. Like i have said before, my friend Pam says " be blessed AND be a blessing" and I think that so many times we get alot of the first part of that and not so much of the second.....


I love you all bunches. I get a long weekend this week (4 days) and I am SO ready for it. Not doing much of anything, but even that is a good thing! Until next time, Lord willing....

Ordinary People

In my Lifegroup at church, we have been studying a book called Judges. Not a book of the Bible that I just run to for reading but it has been very interesting. Interesting in the sense because it talks about how God used ordinary people to do some pretty extra ordinary things. The one this past week was Samson. We all know the story of Samson... long hair, kills a lion with his bare hands and ended up killing alot of Philistines in the process. But he was also just an ordinary man, who had ordinary problems the entire time, including sleeping with a prostitute.

What about David. A man after God's own heart. A king. But he had his problems too... remember Bathsheba and her husband who got put on the front lines so that David could hide his sin??

And my favorite, Saul. Probably killed more Christians than anyone in the Bible. But God even used him, changed his name to Paul and he ended up writing a majority of the books of the New Testament.

The world seems to be so impressed with money, power, looks, status, and sadly, even the church sometimes. But God, could care less about those things. He looks and uses something that most of us don't even think about... He looks at the heart of the person and how they can accomplish the works He has given.He is looking for simple, plain, not flashy, ordinary people who want nothing more than to glorify Him. And please hear me when I say that people who have money and power and all that other stuff can still be used by God, I have seen that for myself, but since the world is not overrun by these people, doesn't it seem obvious that somehow, someway, God will find another way to get His message out?

I Corinthians 1:27-29 - "But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him."

We need to start looking at ourselves the way God sees us. Forget what we think we CAN'T do and trust God to work in our lives. Easier said than done I know but I figure, Hey, it hasn't really been working my way and as the saying goes, if you keep doing what you always did, you will get the same results you always got". So why not try something new today? Never know how many lives you'll change in the process.....

I pray you are all doing well. Half the work week is over AND we have a long weekend. Life is good. Until next time my friends, "be blessed and be a blessing" to someone. Love ya!

Right or Left?

Last night I posted a comment on Facebook: "Do you ever wonder maybe if you took a left turn instead of a right, you could be someone different?"

It wasn't meant to sound like I didn't like my life or that I thought I had taken some wrong path. I actually think that right and left could be right or wrong, depending on the person. Our decisions and choices shape who we are and we learn from them, either way. But then I think... those same choices, good and/or bad, also are creating our future, because those choices will determine whether we go to heaven or hell. And in the United States, we are especially proud that we have the "right to choose" but rarely do people think about the consequences of these actions and choices.

My daughter told me the other day that she really didn't know what she believed or what she should do, so she just decided to "do something" and that something happens to not be good. But trying to explain that even the choices you are making today will effect you in 10, 15 or 20 years, well... let's just say, I am still trying to explain, and not from what I read or heard, but from what I know.

The Bible says "to overcome evil with good" and the way to do this is making a effort to change our thoughts and actions to positive one. Really ask, WWJD??? And then do it. Ask God to allow the Spirit to move in our lives, to guide us in the right direction so that our future will be secure with Him.

I pray you all have a great day. I had a bit of insomnia last night. I think I finally laid down around 3:00AM so I pray that I don't pay for it today! I love you all and until next time, "be blessed and be a blessing"!

My sons went this past week on their first tubing trip in Florida down the Ichetucknee River. I have never been there myself, but normally the church takes the kids every year so I felt pretty safe about them going even though I have this major fear of water. Khaaliq can swim a little and Chris, well he takes after me in that fear of water thing. BUT, they both wanted to go. Up until the day of the trip I got asked a million and one questions, some of which I did not know the answer to so I suggested that they both get life jackets when they got there. Once they got there, I think from what I heard, the trip started off really good and then it started to rain. Hard enough that the rain drop hurt when they touched skin and I think maybe there was a little thunder and lightening too. NOW, if you have ever heard me talk about my boys, you know they are afraid of lightening and Chris, well every time it rains, he thinks a tornado is coming. At this point, what can you do in the middle of a river in the rain? PADDLE, which is something that my boys did NOT want to do. So through the crying, tears and help from others there, they made it down the river safely and even asked me when they got home if they could go again next year.

My boys, and the some of other kids on trip were really afraid of what they thought would happen once it started raining. So much so that for a few of them, it paralyzed them to the point of not even moving in the water and someone else having to push them down the river.

Satan's mission is to steal, kill and destroy us. And that is what fear does to us. Fear makes us doubt our decisions and makes us uncertain about everything we do. And when we allow fear to creep into our thoughts and lives, we will miss out on what God really wants for us and wants us to do. 2 Timothy 1:7 says "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline."

God is not a God of fear, but a God of love, self control and peace. When we ask Him to help us, we can't do it with doubt in our hearts and be double minded, that's what Satan wants. And like my sons, I have also been in a state of fear. I think that sometimes when God shows us what it is He really wants us to do, we come up with all kinds of excuses as to why we really can't do it. Even to the point of telling ourselves that God must have that one wrong because I know that can't be done. When do we wake up and actually start believing what we are telling everyone else. That God really IS in control and no matter where He leads me, I am going to follow because we know He is with us.

I pray that you all have been well and that you are enjoying your summer vacations. Until next time, Lord willing, love you and be a blessing!!

Sighh

I read a quote today:

"We must always change, renew, rejuvenate ourselves; otherwise we harden."

And I realized that once again I was in that place. It's really odd though. Not really sure how or when that happened. I think it's called being complacent. Being comfortable and thinking that you have it all under control. And for a while, I guess you do. Things truck along, life is good, kids are good, work is good, not much sets you off. It's all in place and "perfect". And then one day, with no rhyme or reason to mention, something happens. Someone says or does something that throws a loop in your perfect world. Something big happens, or quite frankly, God pulls that cord back up that you so hap hazardly let get loose. As time passes, the inside, hateful and hard. And once it does, the hardest thing is trying to get it soft again.

So here I am. Once again. Trying to figure out what in the world I have going on. What got me here and how can I fix it. Again. The stuff we put ourselves though for the sake of earthly happiness, I tell ya. All I can say is thank you for being a loving, caring and forgiving God.

I was blessed with good kids. Excellent students, athletes, funny and quick whitted, and even if they sometimes act like they have no home training at home, when they are away from me, I couldn't ask for more well trained kids. Everything I do, is for them. So you can imagine how proud I was when my 11 year old came to me a few months ago and said he wanted to be baptized. Now, as proud as I was, I was a little worried too. He's 11.. Does he really understand what that means? Does he know? He's just a child and I don't want him to be pushed by anyone or thing when it comes to making the most important decision he will ever make in his life. But the fact that he wanted to know more, that he asked me questions, that he knew that he wanted to live the way God wanted him too and be with HIm one day in heaven... brought tears to my eyes. So on March 20, 2011, my son, my baby (he'll always be my baby) was not only my son, but he became my brother in Christ. How awesome is that?!?!?!?!?!?!??!

I pray that I lead by example for him. That he sees me doing the things that are right and good and when I mess up, that I own up to it, make it right. That my number one goal is pleasing God.

Say a prayer for my little man, his name is Christian. His journey has begun, a good one and I couldn't be prouder!!!

So last Wednesday night at Bible Study, we watched a video and had a discussion about what keeps people from coming to church, what keeps us from asking people to church and when they DO come, what makes them maybe not want to come back. Been thinking alot about that.

Then I read somewhere this week that we often get distracted with disappointment in our church. That people who have the most to say about an issue in church, often are doing nothing about it, well except talk about it. And we are not to get distracted by people's smallness. And I find myself often times, falling into these traps. It's really easy to get mad about things that are not going our way, even if the reason we have are good and valid ones. But our relationship with God should not be tainted because of other people's ignorance. Our goal is a simple one, bring others to Christ. It matters not about what kind of house they live in, what side of town they live on, money or no money, black or white. If we are not about people, we miss the whole point. Period!

So what's keeping you from bringing people to Christ? What has us distracted from the task at hand? It's time to quit making it about us (REALLY) and look at the real reason God allows us to still be here... relationships.

Albany had it's annual Mardi Gras celebration. Weather was semi nice, we had a little rain but it didn't seem to stop people from having a good time. I pray you all had a good and safe weekend... productive.

Until next time, Lord willing, "be blessed and be a blessing!"

"Jesus was matter-of-fact: "Embrace this God-life. Really embrace it, and nothing will be too much for you. This mountain, for instance: Just say, 'Go jump in the lake'—no shuffling or shilly-shallying—and it's as good as done. That's why I urge you to pray for absolutely everything, ranging from small to large. Include everything as you embrace this God-life, and you'll get God's everything. And when you assume the posture of prayer, remember that it's not all asking. If you have anything against someone, forgive—only then will your heavenly Father be inclined to also wipe your slate clean of sins." - Mark 11:25-26 (The Message)

There have been many time in my life where someone has hurt me or wronged me. Too many to count actually. And I will be the first to tell you, I didn't forget OR forgive. And some of it was really "big" stuff. Some specific stuff. And I would imagine the people around me knew all about my hurts since I probably told the stories over and over and over. All the time saying "I forgive" and "I'm okay", but inside, I was still fuming and as far as I was concerned, I had every right.

But those things controlled me. My every thought and move. And honestly I still have flashbacks every now and again, but I have to quickly get myself in check cause I really didn't like the person I became when it took control. So one of the hardest things in the world for me to do was to forgive. I mean really forgive and it took a LONG time. I can't even tell you when exactly it happened, I just know now that I can be around these people and it's not an issue anymore. I don't bring it up in conversation everytime we speak or throw it up in their faces anymore. I guess you could say I am growing up some.

We expect alot from the people we love. We want them to always be honest and never ever do us wrong. But in reality, as people who are not perfect, we ALL will disappoint at some point in our lives. And even though we like to think so sometimes, there is no thing, or "sin" worse than the other. And I have had some major ones to hit me (well, major in my head)... but if we expect God to listen to us and forgive us when we mess up ( and for me, that is too many times to count) then how can we not forgive other people, when they do things to us. Not saying that it's easy or will happen over night, but if you don't even try...... then the verse is very clear " if you do not forgive, neither will God forgive you".

I pray you are all having a blessed week. Alot of things happening and going on that would test a person's faith seems to me, so we gotta stay strong and keep praying for each other. That's the only way to survive... love you all and be blessed.. until next time, Lord willing...

I came into work this morning not expecting to hear the news I did. One of my co-worker's nephews was killed in an accident sometime this past weekend. I am not sure of the exact age, but I think he was around my boys ages. Just breaks my heart. Last week, my daughter's classmate was killed. Another friend who had friends lose an 8 or 9 year old son a few weeks ago in a sledding accident.A month ago, two babies died in Albany, from accidents.

No one really expects children to pass away so soon. I know I don't. I just always think there is time for them to grow and learn and experience life. But like I have said before and you all know, we are not promised to live until we are 75 or 80 and watch our kids have kids. If we actually make it that far, we are truly blessed. I celebrated my middle son's birthday this past weekend. He had some friends over and just had a really good time and not once did I stop to think that this may be his last birthday with me. And it's not to be morbid, but just honest.

Then I got an e-mail this morning again, reminding me to just stop TELLING people I love them and show them by my actions. (John 3:18) And then God tells us to bring up our children in the discipline and instruction of the the Lord.

And through all of this I am reminded that it is our job, MY job to teach my children what God expects of them too. From day one actually, we are to let them know that not only do we love them, but God does too. We can't hold back on teaching about Jesus to our kids because we think they may not be ready or mature enough. They may not fully understand some of the difficult concepts, but kids know truth when they hear and SEE it. And it's up to us to show them.

We spend alot of our time making sure our retirement is in order for when we get old, that our kids make straight A's so they will get into a good college and make lots of money (I am guilty of this.....), that they have the best of friends, play all the sports they can ( again, me....) and just get as much of life there is to offer. And not that any of those things are bad, because they aren't, but I wonder do we make just as big a deal about the spiritual lives.... we may not have as much time as we think...

My heart really breaks for all these families. It really does because I cannot imagine losing my kids now. BUT and I know alot of you hate to hear it, God works in everything.. good and bad and we have to just keep praying.

With so much sadness in the world, it's hard to find positive sometimes but I really do pray you can. The weather is beautiful, God is good and has given us another day to do His works... lets not waste it.... until next time , Lord willing....

"The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand." - Psalm 37:23-24


Remember those who are hurting right now, those who may not have jobs or homes to go to, those who have no food to eat, those who just need a friend. Be blessed and always be a blessing!! Until next time, Lord willing....

Yesterday, my daughter lost a classmate. He was a Senior at AHS, going into the military after high school so I heard. He had just bought a car and was at a car wash when someone pulled a gun on him, robbed him, took his keys and then shot him. As I looked on Facebook, and listened to Bri on the phone talking with some of her friends, needless to say, they were all in shock and very upset. As was everyone else that knew about it. It's one thing to steal from someone, but to take their life...well, it's senseless.

So I talked to Brianna about it, trying to see if she was okay and maybe if she had any questions. She really didn't, but her FB status said it all: " RIP Robert, this shows you that you can never take life for granted. Make sure you tell your loved ones you love them."

I don't think that any of those kids thought up until that point that they would not make it to see their high school graduation. I don't even think as adults, as much as we say it, really believe that this may very well be our last hour. We live like we have all the time in the world to make things right and honestly, we really don't. The time is now to make sure that we have done everything that God wants us to do. This life we have, it's not ours, it's God so lets not waste it. Let's seek to really fulfill the purpose God set for each one of us to have.

As I dropped Bri off at school this morning, I saw the kids walking in, most dressed in black as a remembrance for Robert Purvis. My prayer is that they all remember this day and from this point on, start really showing kindness and concern for each of their classmates. My prayers are with the Purvis family today.


Until next time, Lord willing...

: ))

I am a basketball mom. Some days I love it, some I could really do without. The coaching on our team has not been the best and I have had my issues with the coach. But through all of that, through the girls always telling us how they really don't want to play with her anymore, the parents have tried to tell them that no matter what anyone says, you all are a team and you have to stick together... then things will change. And with it being a girl's team.. well, you know how it is when a bunch of attitudes get together... chaos all the time! So the whole season, the scuffed through, only winning 2 games in the region the whole season but even with that every teams STILL gets a chance to play for a spot in the region. So... last night we are up against a team who has won WAY more games than we have, but our girls are pumped! They told us before the game that even if they lost, they were gonna play hard, together since it might be the last game of the season.

Last 10 seconds of the game, the other team has the ball and our girls literally did something they have not done ALL season... they played defense and stole the ball. Lisa grabbed it, took off down the court and made a perfect layup. WE WIN by one point sealing our spot in the Semi finals this week AND State Playoffs next week! I had one of those head rushes that you get when you drink something cold really fast! They talked to each other throughout the game, if someone made a mistake, you could see them saying to each other " its okay, lets get back in it", and not letting the other people phase them or make them take their eyes off the prize. Just a little encouragement....

It was a good night for them. I pray that you all are having a really good week. It's not Valentine's Day anymore but I hope you are still showing encouragement and telling the people in your life how much they mean to you. Until next time, Lord willing be blessed...

OHHH and just in case you missed the clip on the news, our boys and girls are featured in it from last night.. It's Albany High, we are at the end of the clip and you will even catch a few glimpses of my baby, # 40 : ))

http://www.walb.com/Global/story.asp?S=14029623

I think at any given time, a person can be pushed to their breaking point. And what you may think is yours, may not be mine and vice versa. I also don't think that God wants us to stand around and let people run all over us. I just don't. I mean doing good and what is right is what we are commanded to do, but letting people use is going a bit far right? Last night was it for me. I told you before, I don't handle stress well. I make no bones about it. When I am mad, I am mad. Case closed and I pretty much don't want to hear anything else. I get from Tony and a few people who have been around me when this happens how I need to "calm down" and all that jazz, but it's funny, cause when it's them, they are not listening to "calm down" from me. And then from my anger, cause that's what it is, things just start to flow out of my mouth. Not things I would normally say, but they do. Not good.I just don't like people trying to or even thinking that they are getting over on me nor do I like the feeling of being used so why bother.

and THEN I got on Facebook this morning and a friend from church posted this verse:

Proverbs 15:1-3 - "A gentle response defuses anger, but a sharp tongue kindles a temper-fire. Knowledge flows like spring water from the wise; fools are leaky faucets, dripping nonsense. God doesn't miss a thing— he's alert to good and evil alike."

UGHHHHHH .........as much as I don't like to do it (cause I like defending myself if I have too) sometimes, it's just better to say " ok" and move on and not let it fester. God expects us to show Christlike attitudes all the time, not just when things are working in our favor, but even when people tick us off. I still honestly don't think God wants us to be doormats, but He probably does want us to handle every situation like Christ would. I gotta work on that, cause truthfully, that's a hard one for me. So, I am glad David posted that this morning, I sure needed it as a reminder that it is STILL not about me and to let God handle His business.

Relax, release...... it's going to be a good day. Our Region basketball tournament starts today... GO INDIANS AND SQUAWS!!! I love you all, and until next time, be blessed!

Valentine's Day... ughhhhhh

I don't like Valentine's Day, never have to be honest. I cannot tell you how ill I get at Christmas time when on one aisle, you have Christmas decorations and on the other, Valentine's candy. I mean really??? It doesn't get more commercial than that to me. One day that folks run out, to buy candy and cards to tell that person "I love you". I would personally like my significant other and friends to be telling and showing me that everyday and not just that day. I like flowers, cards and texts for no reason and not just cause other people are getting them. I liked to know that I am loved, even when I may not be so lovable....

So instead of being negative this morning (cause I felt it coming) I got on the computer, read some devotions and came across a verse in Isaiah 43 where God was talking to the people of Israel. Even though they had done things that were not pleasing, God said to them:

"Don't be afraid. I made you and I will take care of you. You are mine."

Just like those candies that the kids are passing out today with all the little messages on them, God says " You Are Mine". Just like the people of Israel, we are disciplined when we do not do what God wants us to do, but even through that, He loves us unconditionally. Not because we happen to be good on one day, but just because. There really is no greater love (or Valentine) than that.

Make sure you are showing Christ's love everyday, to everyone. I really do love you all (and not just cause it's Valentine's Day). I hope you all have a wonderful week... it's going to be a real busy one for me.. Until next time, Lord willing....

So of my many pet peeves, the one that is really close to the top of my list is getting advice from people who think they have all the answers but have no clue because, well frankly, they haven't been through anything. Like kids.... I love my non-parent friends dearly, God bless 'em, but please don't give me any advice on how to raise my kids until you have your own, been through some of the issues I have and have the scars to prove it. I don't need or want really to know how you would discipline (cause all kids don't respond to the same discipline the same way) or what you would say because you never know until you get in that situation. TRUST ME. And that's just one example, I have many many MANY more, but that one just recently happened so it was stuck in my head.

Not that people who have not dealt with the same issues cannot be there to listen to you when you need it, because they can and actually should be. I think that many of us just find it easier to talk to people about our issues who have actually traveled down that same road before.It just tends to ease our burdens to know that someone else went through the same thing and came out on the other end okay.

James 1:2-4 (from the Message) says "Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way."

And then once you face those trials, God says in 2 Corinthians 1:2-4 - "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God."

See, those hard times we face, even though it doesn't seem like it at the time we are dealing with them, have a purpose. When we get to the other side of our problems, we can be there for others who are going through the same thing. That doesn't mean that you have all the answers and that their situation will come out like yours did or didn't, it just means that you can be there for them the same way God was for you. You know, like Pam says "be blessed and be a blessing".. that's what God wants us to do.

I love you all and until next time, Lord willing....

So a friend of mine sent me a devotional this morning and the scripture was Proverbs 18:21 (The Message) - "Words kill, words give life; they're either poison or fruit—you choose."

And I thought about a conversation I had with another friend yesterday who was upset. And honestly, I understood why she was upset, I had been there and done that. And what she said I had said all too many times. But then I also remembered that as mad as I was then and she was yesterday, being negative would not help. Actually it would hinder us both in what we needed to be doing. The more negative you put in your head and let out of your mouth, the more negative things would happen to you. We can't change what people do around us and we can't make them into who we want them to be.. some people are just not nice (and that's putting it nicely) but what we can do is change our attitudes, thoughts and words. Hard I know but totally necessary if we plan on moving forward in our lives and want to receive the blessings God has in store for us.

I hope you all have a wonderful and blessed day. Until next time, Lord willing....

I saw a FB post last week that kind of disturbed me. Seems that a very close friend of Brianna's dad (someone I knew but was not close close friends with) had a heart attack on his way to work and died. He was with friends the night before, he was fine, no issues at all. Next morning, he was gone. He was 44.

I looked at all the postes from friends of his and even text my ex to see if he was ok. The consensus was the same pretty much around the board. They were just all in shock, not really understanding what or why and very anger. Been there, done that so I understood.

But it also, once again, made me realize how short life really is. He was in his early 40's and no known health problems and if he was anything like Brianna's dad, thought he was gonna live forever. Alot of us though think like that. But not a one of us know when our final seconds will be. All we know is that we are to be Christ-like while we are here. We can't live as the world lives no matter how good it looks, we have to treat others like they should be treated, help, live out the teachings of Christ and share His word with others. That way, when the times comes to leave this earth, we will be ready to meet God.

It's also a reminder to me to just not be so bogged down by "stuff". To make sure that the people you love know you love them every single day and there are no regrets.. no woulda coulda shoulda's. Our days are numbered folks, and God's time and ours is very different so there is no better time than NOW to makes necessary changes.

I love you guys bunches. I honestly get through most of my days knowing that I have wonderful friends who are always behind me. "Be blessed and always be a blessing".. you never know who you may touch!


OHHH and sorry Michele and Melinda on that loss last night... I was thinking about you! : ))

My daughter is really big on having braids in her hair. It actually makes it alot easier for her while she is playing sports during the school year. But for as easy and convenient as it is, it can be very damaging to her hair. As a teenager though, I am clueless and she won't listen to me. So basketball will be over soon and she decided she wanted the braids out and to get her hair relaxed (that's a perm for those who don't know). So after seeing the damage, I told her, its gonna have to be cut. And I mean that means no more ponytails cut. She was fine. As a matter of fact, she said to me " cut it all off, it'll just make it easier".

Now, as a woman, a black woman, let me tell you MY feelings on hair.... I can make it long, short, curly or straight. I can grow my own, buy it or sew it in. Doesn't matter to me. BUT for me personally and alot of my friends, hair for us is like it was for Sampson... seriously... if it is not how we like it, we lose power. I know it seems silly and a bit trifling, but for me, it is what it is.

So I went to pick her up. She was fine. All smiles. The girl styled it and it is SOOOOOO cute! But then, Bri looked in the mirror and it hit her. I can't put it up anymore (well for now at least) and well, its different and she lost it right there in the chair! I knew the feeling all too well so I started trying to comfort her immediately. She did not want to hear it and as a matter of fact, decided right then (as her Facebook page says) that she is ugly. And I don't think she actually thinks she is ugly, but well, its just a big change for her.

So I left my room, and called my hair dresser. I have been growing my hair out natural for over a year now so its pretty long. Today, I have an appointment to get it cut.... just like Bri's. God could care less how we have our hair, what clothes we wear... all He cares about is what's on the inside and how we live our lives for Him.

You know, sometimes we think that we can only comfort and support people when they have big things going on in their lives. Sometimes, the simple things are the ones that matter. And no, I don't have to cut my hair to make her feel better, but sometimes people just need to feel better. I doubt there is a verse on this one in the Bible, but it's just what's going on in my life. : )

If you see my daughter, ahhhhhh please don't tell her I told you any of this, but some encouragement would be nice.

I pray you all have a blessed and wonderful day and until next time, Lord willing... love ya!

My friend Pam is an awesome writer, not to mention a really great person and friend. I love reading her blog because she quite honestly, tells it like it is. And God is always her guide, you can tell through her writings. So the other day she had a post on being accountable and basically how we as Christians need to have a friend (or two) to hold us accountable for the things we do. You know, checking up on us, making sure that we are doing our best to stay on track. Whether it be Bible study, exercising, praying, raising kids or getting along with your mate, we all need someone who will help us. Making sure that that someone is of the same mind set as you, meaning that God is first and the ultimate goal is heaven.

Scripture tells us in I Corinthians 12 that Christians are all part of the same body - the body of Christ - and each member needs or belongs to the other. So as believers in Christ, we need to have someone that we can go to in good and bad times. It also says Galatians 6 (The Message)- "Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day's out. Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ's law. If you think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived." And one of my all time favorites, we are to "encourage and build each other up."

There are days when everything is seemingly going right for me and then there are days when everything I touch seems to end up in a mess. I need to be held accountable for my actions, should have someone that I can go to. We all should. So, thank you Pam for that blog.... I am going to do just that.

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up…" Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

I pray you all have a really good day. Its been a good week so far, thank you God!! Until next time, Lord willing, "be blessed and be a blessing!!"