What's on the Mind of the Easterbaby?

My "TIME" 2010 People of the Year!

2010-12-31T20:50:00.000-05:00

Blog Readers! Now you know I could not end the year, the DECADE without a shout out, a blog, words of wisdom (ok, maybe I am the only one to think my words are wise) without sharing with my PEEPS!!! You guys are still my peeps, right? Yes, I know my blogs have been few and far between BUT that's going to change in 2011. Oh yes, more of my words of wisdom (there I go again, who do I think I am?) for 2011. So what's changed? Glad you asked. I know you think this is about a resolution to write more. Sort of, but it's more about a resolution to BE WHO I AM! Writing is who I am, it's what I do! So I'm going to do what I do cause it's what I do! How about you? (I must think I'm Dr. Suess! lol!) In all seriousness, I miss writing and I have had so much I've wanted to say. Life Happens of course but I have to thank a few folks who in their own way and unknowingly, showed me why I must REMEMBER WHO I AM (in my Mufasa voice) and be better at it.Thus, the reason for this blog!

So I'm sure you all are familiar with Time Magazine always choosing a Person of the Year! Based on some criteria that I think revolves around their impact on the world for that year. This year they picked the Facebook creator. (I can't say FB hasn't impacted my world b/c it has greatly! Whew! That's a whole other blog right there! LOL!) Anyway, I thought about it and I thought about who I'd pick, not for impact on the BIG world, but for impact on MY world in 2010. However, before I continue let me include a DISCLAIMER: I cannot list every family member or every friend I have on this list. Even if your name is not here, doesn't mean I don't love ya! Absolutely, family and friends have an impact on my life. But this is about the year 2010 and the people who have (without even knowing it) have caused me to think more deeply about myself, who I am, what I want, and where I am headed from 2011 and beyond.

These are my 2010 PEOPLE OF THE YEAR (no particular order):

Angela M. Hines - Met Angela several years ago and since she turned into one of my dearest friends and Sister in Christ. But it wasn't until the summer of 2010, that I realized why I am truly blessed to know her. Always ready to run for the Kingdom of God, I knew Angela loved the Lord and wanted to do His Will. As a PHD student, I know exactly how time consuming research and school can be. But even still, God's work comes first in Angela's life and she took time out of her life to go on a mission for Christ in the Dominican Republic. With a dissertation to write and a grad. student's budget, she went depending on God to suppy all her needs while she did His Will! Thanks to Angela I understand what sacrificing for God truly is! I needed this lesson!

Dwella Moton Nelson - Met her at a PHD conference in Tampa, FL in a real, random fashion, cried at Secret Life of Bees and found out she was a true Woman of God. But I know many woman of God, here's what I'd like to thank Dwella for, teaching me about A RIGHT NOW prayer! I asked Dwella to pray for me many times during this year as I dealt with different things and she never, ever waited. Nope, Dwella was praying right then and there!!! Her actions really caused me over the course of 2010 to think about my prayer life and how important it is to pray for people when they ask for prayer! It blessed me when she did that more than she'll ever know! It showed she truly cared and at that moment, my request was a priority! If there were to be a definition and picture in the dictionary of A Prayer Warrior, there is Dwella (striking a pose)!

Eddie Goines - Met Eddie during my life and times at NCSU (Go Pack!) and reconnected on FB then Twitter. I knew Eddie was moving from pro football to acting when I ran into him at The National Black Theater Festival several years ago. Since then he's really been chasing his girl "Thespia", maybe yall seen him in Beyonce's "If I were a Boy video", he was "the Boy". Eddie knows what he wants more than anyone I've come in contact with but here's what Eddie doesn't know. His vision and passion for his craft, has really caused me to reevaluate the love for my craft! I know now I must begin chasing my boy, "Author"! That desire, that drive, that's how I want to feel and I need to DO IT!!! Taken from Eddie's Youtube Hit, "I love my girl but she don't love me back!" I say, "Author, I'm not living without you, I don't wanna be free, I'm staying, I'm staying, and you and you, you're gonna LOVE ME! (if you don't get, Author = writing! lol!)

Sequola "Cola" McCallum - I met Cola and we became friends while in graduate school and she is one of the most genuine people I know! But again, I know a few other genuine folks. That's not why I have her as one of my persons of the year. While facing adversity in 2010, Cola has shown me what PEACE in the mist of a storm looks like, "taking lemons and not just making lemonade but opening up a lemonade stand." I've heard many people claim to be overcomers in Christ Jesus but Cola is the gospel in the flesh! 2010 was somewhat challenging for me healthwise but I know I can overcome in 2011, Thanks to Cola, I understand true overcoming and come what may...God is Good! Thus, my favorite hymn, It Is Well with My Soul! has a whole new meaning for me b/c of Cola's humble YET strong Godly witness!

Ron Dortch, Tarra Ellis, and Kitrinka Gordon - Why all 3? These are 3 of the coolest folks on FB! But I know alot of cool folks on FB but these are the founders of "The 24 Hour Praise Party" and "Happenings in the Tre4!" Folks have many reasons for going on FB. Not sure what my initial reason was but I discovered and reconnected with good people and these 3 are among the best! But they took social networking a step further, they decided to use FB to uplift Jesus and uplift the community. Rev. Ron and Minister Tarra use the 24 Hour Praise Party to bring the Gospel to the WWW via FB, Twitter, and other online media! You can find Ron preaching to the masses online every Thursday or expect a God-ordained Word to flow through Tarra via the Praise Party. Kitrinka, (or as I like to call her "Trinkalinka"), Happenings in the Tre4 (aka Winston-Salem, NC for those that don't know what Tre4 is) is more informative than US Today and the NY Times put together. Sharing jobs announcements, promoting local businesses, local events, Happenings is all about community UNITY!!! From these 3 individuals, I have learned that you don't need alot to make BIG, POSITIVE things happen as long as you understand how to make the most of what you have been given!

Often people, without knowing, do things which seem routine to them, turn out to really mean something to someone else. Alot of times, we think only the rich and famous can provide motivaton and influence! But in MY world, it's the little things that often mean so much! While TIME MAGAZINE is trying to tell me that Mark Zuckerberg is the Person of the Year, I say, Thanks BUT No Thanks! I kindly decline because when it really counts, it's the unsung heros and she-ros in my life that mean the most to me. And I wanted these folks to know how they impacted my life in 2010!

HAPPY NEW YEAR BLOG READERS!!! May your latter days be much better than your former ones!
Love, Peace, and Blessings!
Sherry

"I'm Living the Single, Single, Single...LIFE!!!"

2010-05-26T20:41:00.001-04:00

Blog Readers! What's happening? I hope all is well! I've so many things I wanted to write about but of course, it always takes one thing to take my mind in a different direction. So what's on my mind this time? Glad you asked! It was actually something I had comtemplated many times but a single status on Facebook, inspired me to write this blog...Are you single, as in UNMARRIED, then this might be for you! :)

Back in the 80's, I guess, the R&B group Cameo, made a hit song entitled "Single Life" and when that song played, folks thought being single was the best thing since sliced bread. But it would seem that as you get older, the single life is not such a good look...to some that is. And my question is, Why is that? I mean, being single is not a disease, it is merely a "state of being". Now can't speak for all single people but I know some of yall have gotten, "the questions". And I often wonder if folks ever think before they speak. Because honestly, when someone asks, "Why aren't you married? What's wrong with you?" I really wonder what they expect the answer to be, "I'm crazy! That's what's wrong with me"...LOL! So let's break down the questions, Easterbaby style...

1) Why aren't you married? What's wrong with you? - Hmmmm, why does something have to be wrong with me? I mean, does being near sighted count as a "wrong"? I have bad sinuses, bad knees...is that a marriage deterrent? I don't know. It's funny because folks ask that question like you can go in the store and buy a marriage? "Excuse me, can I get one marriage and a side of committment, please?" I guess if it were that easy we'd all be married. And honestly, as many divorces there are today, maybe the question should be "Why are you married? What's wrong with you?" If I weren't a Christ follower, I'd probably think, "Clearly, marriage sucks!" based on what I've witnessed. But when God said Let two become one, He knew what He was doing and I believe marriage done right, as in God's way, is a beautiful thing! So let's clear it up, I'm not married but I believe in marriage. Let's move on...

2) Why aren't you married? You must be picky! - Now is it picky or practical? I don't think no one is looking for Mr. or Ms. Perfect. I know there's no Mr. Perfect but I believe there's Mr. Perfect...for me! I have flaws (yea, I know yall are shocked but it's true) and he'll have flaws. But we'll be a perfect match, flaws and all! Now Imma keep it real, ax murderers, pedophiles, cross dressers need not apply. Not picky just practical! If I'm saying "I love Jesus!" and he's saying "I love the devil!" It ain't gonna work. If I'm saying "Crack is whack!" and he's starring in "Crackheads Gone Wild", it ain't gonna work. (btw - there is a video called "Crackheads Gone Wild!") I know I'm being extreme but what am I saying, you have to be "equally yoked". That's not only practical but spiritual! Finally, I imagine should I decide to marry Mr. "Any Ol' Body" with dead bodies in the basement, the same folks saying, you must be picky, would be saying, "why in the world did Sherry marry him? Guess since she's getting older, she decided to "settle"...LOL! And since I can't win in man's eyes, I'll simply trust God. :)

3) Why aren't you married? Aren't you unhappy & lonely? - Is that right? Lonely? Unhappy? Being married makes you less lonely and happy? Let's ask all those folks headed to divorce court trying to become single. I've seen Judge Mabeline and the folks on there don't look happy to me! (most look like stars in Crackheads Gone Wild but that's not the point). Thing is, happiness isn't found in marriage and it isn't found in singleness. I think we are happy when we can find contentment in whatever state we are in. Paul says in Phil. 4:11-13 (NIV),

11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.

Or in the words of my favorite hymn, "Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, It is well, It is well with my soul!" Bottomline, life is short. So do you spend your life unhappy about something that may not happen. Not everyone is meant to be married, so should that person live in a state of depression? What if they live to be 102 1/2,? That's a long time to be unhappy! :) No I say, live life, enjoy life until God says different. Besides most folks who ask this are unhappy people and wonder how come you're not unhappy too! So Sherry, you're saying you're always happy and content? Of course not, I have flaws, remember? But what did Paul say, "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." Thus, with His help, I can push what I think I want aside and learn to live in contentment in every situation! That's happiness! :)

4) Why aren't you married? Why don't you have kids? - Actually sometimes, folks ask about the kids before finding out if you're married Sign of the times, I suppose. But this kid question is another one of those questions asked as if you can go purchase kids at Wal-Mart. "Price check on Little Leroy, Line 12!" Just to be clear, #1, having children is a lifetime commitment and responsibility. Not a whimsical department store purchase. #2, and I can only speak for Sherry, first the marriage then the kids. No marriage, no kids. But Sherry, what about your "clock"? Oh yeah, that...the biological clock. Well, if I weren't a Christ follower, I'd say, you're right, times almost up! However, my bible tells me, nothing, NO THING is impossible for God! So if it's His Will for me to have one child (cool!), twins (whatcha doin' Lord?), or triplets (Why Lord Why?!?!) at the age of 55 (Dear Lord, You don't really have do that, I'm just speaking hypothetically for illustration, you know how I do!), then His Will shall be done!

The bottomline is, It is what It is. Life, whatever your state (married, single, divorced or my fav. "it's complicated"), comes with up and downs! You have to learn to deal with it and keep it moving. Well, sorry I don't appear to be the sad, messed up, pitiful single soul, folks want me to be. But I gotta do me until God says different. In the meantime, I'm living the SINGLE, SINGLE, SINGLE...LIFE!!! :)

*This is dedicated to all the single people, who love God, love themselves, and love life in spite of!!!*

Faking the Funk...A Church Confession...

2010-03-14T19:44:00.004-04:00

BLOG READERS!!! I tell you I thought I would never make it back to my blog but alas, here I am. I noticed my last blog was back on May of 09...Great Day! So much has transpired since then...I won't bore you with the details since most of you know exactly what I'm talking about. Anyway, some of my beloved blog readers got this message via email, but I decided why not get the ol' blogger up and running again. So I am posting the message I sent to some, for many others to read. I mean, why deny others what's on my mind! LOL! As you know, having to move from NC to VA has brought about the need for me to search for a new place of worship. So each Sunday, I put on my DORA the EXPLORER church hat (figuratively that is) and visit different churches in the area of Fredericksburg. Black congregations, white congregations, doesn't matter to me! (We, Christians really need to work on that whole segregated Sunday worship thing...but I digress). Anyhoo, today was no different; however, something interesting happened at this particular church today and I wanted to share.

Near the end of the service, a young man (mid 20's, maybe) asked the pastor if he could have a word. He seemed shaken and nervous, pausing as if he were holding back tears, clutching his bible. He takes a deep breath and he says he is standing before his church family to say what the Lord has told him to say. My first thought was, oh boy it's about to be good! See it has been my experience that whenever someone stands before a church congregation to say what THE LORD has told them to say, someone in that church is about to be embarrassed or told off! So I think, I picked a good day to come...Oh don't act like I was wrong, some of yall would have thought the same thing...lol!

First thing the young man does is read the following scripture, from James 5:16, which says, "16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." Of course this is a particular favorite verse of mine, in fact, I had recently petitioned prayer standing on this very verse so he had my attention for real this time. Now my thoughts were, wow, this guy must be sick! Well, he was sick, not physically as I imagined but according to him, spiritually.

He proceeded to confess that he needed his church families' prayers because he was leading a double life. He confessed that the person they saw & percieved him to be on Sunday, was not how he lived Monday through Saturday. He confessed he had not been honest with his pastor, who turns out is his uncle, and his church family! He admitted that the only thing he knew to do was to stand before his church family and ask for prayer so he could begin to walk in the ways of the Lord. Then he offered a heartfelt apology to those he felt had been trying to guide him. He said some other things so I'm giving the jist. He ended by saying, "it wasn't the teaching that was bad, I just didn't do the right thing!" I was like "WOW"! Then I thought, Dang, why don't I have any tissue in my purse! (sniff sniff)

Now I gotta be honest, a part of me wondered what he'd been up to outside the four walls of the church, like I'm sure others in the pews were doing. But then I thought, it didn't matter. See, he ain't no different from a whole lotta us Christians with "double lives". He could've been selling drugs Mon. - Sat. but is that any different from telling lies & gossiping Mon.- Sat., in God's eyes, sin is sin and unconfessed sin is unconfessed sin! Bascially what this young man did was admitted he was a hypocrite, meaning he knew the RIGHT thing to do, refused to do it, but made everyone believe he was! In slang terms, he was FAKING THE FUNK!

The difference in him and us is, we ain't about to stand before the church and admit we are hypocrites & funk fakers! I admire his guts and obviously he is like David, he has a true heart for God. And you ask, "Sherry how can you say that? He just admitted he was sinning against God!" Exactly!!! Do any of us trust the Lord that much to stand before the judgmental eyes of man, doing like me, speculating on what type of sinful life this guy was living, and say I am a sinner, pray for me? Trusting that this gutsy move won't backfire! Trusting that the rumor mill won't kick into full gear or that folks will say, sure I will pray for you and bless you to your face and then run your name through the mud at the first chance. A person like this young man, definitely was trusting and believing God to deliver him when he made his confession today! So again I say, yes, he has a heart for His Creator because he was fearful and obediant.

You know I love the book of James. It speaks on many things in only 5 short chapters. Read it when you get a chance. In chapter 1, James 1:8 says, 8A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. Can't get much clearer than that. That young man said he was living a double life, so I would imagine he was tired of being unstable. So now you're wondering, why am I telling yall this. Am I saying we all need to stand up in church and rattle off our many transgressions? Now this young man said, the Lord told him to do this. So unless the Lord tells you to do the same, you might wanna let the service continue as printed in the bulletin. :)

What I am saying is, Christian believers have all been fakers of the funk in their walk at some point. How do I know? Because the Word says, we ALL have sinned and fall short. Now I'm sure had this young man decided on his own, I need to make better decisions and live according to the Word of God, sooner rather than later, his public confession may not have been necessary, who knows? Bottomline, let's get it right before it's too late and rather than standing & confessing before man, we are standing before God saying, "It wasn't the teaching that was bad, I just didn't do the right thing!" Matthew 10:28, Jesus says, 28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. My friends, that's as real as it gets!

Another Level of a Complicated but Full Life!!!

2009-05-03T17:49:00.010-04:00

Happy May Blog Readers! Spring is now among us and so is the pollen! Anybody out there suffer with allergies besides me? LOL! Anyway, since I last blogged lots of things have been on my mind but of course time does not afford me the chance to write about it all. But I decided it was time to communicate with my favorite blog readers. Don't know if you remember in my last blog I said, I had something to write about but the "They are who you thought they were" blog was something I was led to write about at that moment. Anyway, can you believe that after all this time, I still have that previous blog in my head and since it's there, I decided to share. (did I just rhyme? LOL)...
Some time ago, back in January 09 in fact, I did some non-scientific research to get some clarification on some commonly used phrases. Phrases that I often heard people say and in particular use as a "status" on social networking sites (ex. Facebook) I bet some are saying what is the big deal with the social networking sites...well, as a FB junkie, that is a another blog for another time. :)

Anyhoo, here is the email that I sent out to a few folks:
Hey! Yall know me, my little wheels are always turning. But I wanted to get some clarity on something that I might blog about but I wanted to do some research. I am asking you b/c I consider you a deep thinker. There are 3 commonly used phrases that whenever I hear them, I am left thinking, "Why do people say that?" and "What does that even mean?"
Phrase #1 - "taking it to another (new) level" or "going to another (new) level". This is a popular phrase especially in churches. And when preachers say it, the folks get excited. But I am always like, another level of what? Do people really know why they get excited about going to another or new level? This could mean alot of things...
Phrase #2 - "it's complicated". Alot of these social networking sites, have a place to put a relationship status and some people put "it's complicated". Single, I understand, Married, I understand, Divorced, I understand, and In a Relationship, I understand. It's complicated, means nothing. Cause if it's that complicated, you either need to work it out so you can stay married or in your relationship or you need to become single.
Phrase #3 - "living life to the fullest". Now I think I can appreciate what people are trying to say but when I begin to think about it, I am still left with nothing. Because it kinda indicates folks not sure what direction they are headed in life so they make this vague statement to indicate they're happy??? IDK...

So what do these statements mean to you? When you hear them or when you use them? Thanks for dialoging with me. :)

Now believe it or not, my deep thinkers did respond. So I guess you could say that this blog was written by the Blog Readers! So let's see what is on their MIND with regard to my questions:

Phrase #1 - "another or new level":
1. New level of spirituality, walk with God, faith, blessings, ...IT DEPENDS on what was being said prior but in all certainty its raising some aspect of spirituality.
2. I believe from my Bible studies "taking it to another level" means becoming that much closer to God.You must know God and be in relationship with God. A lot of people are religious but are not one with Christ. Therefore in your walk, you are forever moving higher towards being closer with God.
3. More dedication
4. Yes this one could mean lot of things but I take it as a another level of thinking. Mostly meaning a level of change or growth; almost like been there done that, what next.
5. It means, I'm about to get deep on you and take you beyond the surface of this topic.
6. Implies that you're not always giving it your all, but you are now prepared to for that particular moment.
7. I suppose when people take something to another level, what they really mean is going way too far. At least that's how I see it. I've never really thought about this phrase, nor do I use it very much. It seems rather trite to me.
8. It is vague but i guess i realize not everyone is mature enough or want to truly know about you. Some just want to ask you a question to talk about themselves.
9. I always think of climbing a flight of stairs when I hear this phrase...therefore, if you're taking it to another level, you're moving closer to your goal. I've also heard people use it in relationships meaning you're going from friends to something more romantic, non-committed to committed relationship, etc.
10. Pushing yourself to try and do more than you ever thought you could do.
11. This could mean one of two things, the first is that they are going to get off their butt and do something that they were supposed to do and they feel good about it or they are about to step out of their comfort zone and they need some encouragement to continue.

Phrase #2 - "it's complicated":
1. Complicated is complicated..neither single nor married: he's in jail; long dist. relationship and I have no idea where its heading, we are on and off etc. Remember the field you referred to says "status" and not what are you doing here/in ur relationship etc. I certainly can understand if someone says "complicated"..all it means is "its a long story and/or you don't want to hear it" or on a social networking site it means the space in that field is not large enough for my answer.
2. This one is easy.All that "it's complicated' means is that they are dazed and confused and don't have a clue. Either one,the other or both have issues which leaves them so perplexed as to what they should do.
3. I agree with you about its complicated. As a woman, it pisses me off, because I would hate to be apart of that relationship.
4. Anything that is worth doing will be complicated. When one is single, life is complicated. When one is married life is also complicated and divorced is almost like a death in the relationship which is very complicated to understand and to try to move forward. I think people a lot of time want the easy way out and don't want to put the work in to later enjoy the fruits of their labor.
5. I'm not willing to be honest about my current status or I'm in transition and open to advances. 6. Basically means someone doesn't want to put there business out there. It's better said as "I'm not spilling the beans".
7. "I don't want to talk about it, so leave me alone!" The person who uses this phrase doesn't have the balls to come out and say it--nothing's that damn complicated!
8. It's complicated is very funny to me, considering it should really say I don't what my worth is...because hanging onto a man that is possibly married, dating someone else, or simply just not that into you. It is worth you saying, I am single or don't place any status.
9. I totally agree with you!
10. If I tell you, I'll make you wish you never asked.
11. This phrase is used when people want to continue in their devilment that they know is wrong but they can't say because someone may tell them they are wrong and conviction may set in.

Phrase #3 - "living life to the fullest":
1. On the contrary it means they are aware of their life's mission, they have focus and drive and are aiming to maximize their potential a la the wise servant in the parable of talents.
2. Some folks have no direction! Some people are satisfied with whatever life they are living. Some on the other hand strive to accomplish something they have no idea of what it is they are supposed to be accomplishing.
3. Living to the fullest is without regret. Trying new things and making the most of all of your time an opportunities
4. Okay this one is a positive thing to say. Not necessarily meaning that but it helps to stay positive which helps to stay focus. Then again I can see saying this when my children are grown and healthy as well as myself doing what makes me happy which in turns allow me to live as I choose to live.
5. They are doing the best they can in their given circumstances. But as far as I'm concerned, you're right. They are vague statements that have become socially acceptable answers.
6. It's pretty vague, but I would think that a person is making a conscious effort to enjoy life. Some people are dry, boring and may not be a happy person in general......a person using this phrase wants you to know that life is well without going into specifics.
7. They really mean that they are truly appreciating every day. They don't worry about insignificant things, they don't make negative comments. They know that they are better off than so many other people and they APPRECIATE this knowledge. They know that life is precious and could be gone instantly. I think the only people who appreciate "living to the fullest" are those that have been diagnosed with a terminal illness. But, we ALL need to realize that we are ALL terminal, right?
8. For me it's me saying, I am not going to let others folks dim my inner light.
9. This phrase always seemed like rhetoric to me...a lot of people use it, but in reality are sitting around doing nothing. One person's definition of life to the fullest is definitely not another's!
10. Doing more with less and enjoying every minute of it!
11. This one is the Christian way to live, living as if it is your last day on earth, you should be walking in the purpose God has given you, fulfilling the plan set before you, encouraging folks along the way and able to rest at night because you have helped someone come closer to the kingdom.

You gotta admit Blog Readers, I know some pretty sharp people! Can you believe the insight that lies amongst us? Brilliant! Now I just want to add my own little insight. As far as phrase #1 and #2, even after getting clarification and after consideration, they still don't carry alot of substance in my book. I think if someone is going to say they are going to another level then some explanation should follow or I think you are just talking to be talking. For phrase #2, I think people use this phrase to indicate "I'm in a relationship but I'm not happy so if you want to step to me, I'm open". This is a tricky place to be in especially if you are married...ya know what I mean?

As for the last phrase, I can get with it after I put more thought into it. Usually when I ask people how they are doing or what's been up with them and they use this response, I think, "well I guess it's none of my business!" Not sure if I would ever use this phrase, but if by chance you ever hear me say, "I'm living life to the fullest", here is what I mean:

For me, living life to the fullest is more about growing into the woman God has ordained me to be and being obediant to His voice. Using these opportunities and gifts I have been afforded to glorify God and not solely for selfish gain. Living my life to the fullest means living without regrets from the sense, I did what God wanted me to (or put in a good effort). I lived in a way that my walk didn't cause anyone else to stumble...or I didn't live a contrary or hypocritcal life. Not regretting that when I could have been a help to someone I wasn't or failed to apologize to someone I hurt, or that I refused to let go of anything that was a hinderance (i.e past mistakes). It also means learning to stress less and let God be God. Worry less about what others think of me and concentrate on making God and myself proud so I can look in the mirror and like the person in the reflection.

Am I there yet? By no means but I work each day to improve and work on Sherry. I guess that is why I am always thinking, writing, and asking people off the wall questions! I guess I realize I can't do any of what I described alone. So living life to the fullest means I appreciate the people around me and never taking them for granted by thinking I know it all and don't need anyone's advice or help.

*This blog is dedicated to those who took the time to indulge me and respond to my questions*

They are who we thought they were...

2009-02-11T09:45:00.004-05:00

Blog readers! Hope all is well with ya! I haven't blogged since before the entrance of 2009, so I know it's late but let me say, HAPPY NEW YEAR! It's February so there is still time to make it happy...right? Anyway, my initial blog was on a whole other topic, one for which I even did a bit of research; however, yall know me, anything can happen that will send me off into another direction, as such I have to go with the flow of where my mind leads me.

So an avid NFL football fan probably remembers these famous words by Former Arizona Cardinals Head Coach Dennis Green. After his team blew a game after being up by 20 points to the Chicago Bears, he had an adult temper tantrum at the post game press conference. His famous line was, "They are who we thought they were and we let 'em off the hook..." He was referring to the Chicago Bears who later went on to the Super Bowl. Anyway, this blog is not about football, but it made me think about something else...being delusional! Now if what Green says is true, he and his team were anything but delusional...am I right?

So what about the rest of us? Last night I was watching Dateline and the interview with the single mom of now 14 young children, 8 of which are newborns. And the more she talked the more I thought, "how delusional is this woman?" For instance, she says she will support her 14 kids with student loans! What kind of student loans is she getting? As a past and present recipient of financial aid, I need to know what type of aid she is getting since it's like that! :) Then she says, once she finishes school, she will get job and take care of her kids...So I don't have kids but I know people that do...so what is the going rate on day care these days for ONE child much less 14! Anyway, I found her thought process strange and well, delusional.

BUT this morning, I had an AH HA moment. It came to me, who am I to judge this woman's delusional-ness when I have been in a delusional state on more than one occasion. But I am not alone...haven't we all been there? What's that? Not you...hmmmm...Now our delusions may not be as severe and public as mom of 14 but it's there. So why am I talking about this? Because I think we need to understand that people and/or situations "are who and/or what we think they are..."

One thing about it, people always show us who they are. They may fake it for a minute but eventually, their true selves will emerge. Problem is, we do what Green says, "we let 'em off the hook". How many times has a person shown their true colors and we ignore it b/c surely this is not who they are. Bascially we want things to be what we want them to be and try to pass that crap on to others. Of course when it doesn't turn out like that, we get mad at that person or frustrated with that situation. But all along, "they are who we thought they were and WE let 'em off the hook!" So then who's to blame? Yep, we are!

Now we don't really see our own delusional-ness. Like mom of 14 probably thought she made complete sense but me and Ann Curry were no doubt thinking the same thing..."something is wrong with her!" Know this while we try to mask our delusional-ness and make folks think something is more than what is it...the folks around us know the truth and are looking at us the same way. So what can we do? Well, I don't know about you but I pray and ask God to open my eyes, my spiritual eyes that is, to see things as they are and not like I want them to be. He'll do it! Actually, God is really just showing us what we knew all along. It's not magic, b/c they are who we thought they were...

Anyway, this whole thing has allowed me to look at my own life and not so much at the mom of 14. Yea I still think she is delusional but hey, so have I about different people and things...As the Word says, in Luke 6:42 How can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,' when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.

I hope this helps someone...a small wake up call. Think about the people or the situations you are dealing with and trying to convince yourself and others that it is more or better than what it is...now, remember the words of Dennis Green, "they are who we thought they were and we let 'em off the hook!"

2009 New Year's Resolution

2008-12-29T01:36:00.014-05:00

Blog readers! I hope you had a Merry Christmas and as the new year approaches let me be the first to wish you a Happy New Year! I was asked a couple of weeks ago if I were going to write another blog and my answer was sure, if I am so inspired. Well, with the new year approaching, I thought what better way to express myself than put my resolution in a blog. So what is my resolution? It is simple but it is important, I am no longer going to worry about the "haters"! Now I am sure you are asking, "surely Sherry, you don't have haters?" Honestly I don't know if I do or not, but I am serving notice on any past, present, or future ones. As I feel like I need to purge and get some stuff off my chest in order to start the year off fresh! I am not taking anything negative into my new year! No negative vibes and no negative energy! Who's with me?

Anyhoo, on facebook, my cousin often uses this expression, "all the haters can go kick rocks!" And I thought, hmmmmm...I like that! In this context, it simply means, "get outta my face" or "move on" or "leave me alone", or "go find something else to do with your time"...So here I am at almost 2 in the morning, on behalf of myself and others like me, telling all the haters to KICK ROCKS! Maybe I should clarify...you knew I would...

If my efforts to live God's Way and do God's Will offends some folks, then they are haters and can go KICK ROCKS!
If the fact I know that I am not perfect but I know how and not too proud to seek God's forgiveness bothers some folks, then they are haters and can go KICK ROCKS!
If the fact that I can be happy and single until God wants me happy and married turns some folks world inside out, then they are haters and can go KICK ROCKS!
If the fact I am still in school turns some folks stomachs even though they don't receive my tuition bill, then they are haters and can go KICK ROCKS!
If when I tell some folks what degree I am working on causes them to make assumptions about me, then they are haters and can go KICK ROCKS!
If the fact I love Jesus and fear God causes me to try to and make good, godly decisions baffles some folks, then they are haters and can go KICK ROCKS!
If the fact I believe in the power of prayer, and pray in public or in private messes with some folks minds, then they are haters and can go KICK ROCKS!
If when I don't do the things some folks think I should do just cause they think I should or cause it's what they do sticks in their crow, then they are haters and can go KICK ROCKS!
If the fact I have learned how to handle adversity, take hard knocks, bounce back and still love and serve God gets some folks blood boiling then they are haters and can go KICK ROCKS!
If the fact I don't claim to be a perfect Christian, but I am an UNAPOLOGETIC CHRISTIAN makes some folks nerves stand on end, then they are haters and can go KICK ROCKS!

BONUS - If you profess to be a Christian and ashamed to say it, worried more about what others think than what God thinks, only seek God when there's a problem, too proud to admit you ain't got it all together, and find living for God an inconvenience but expect God to be on His job 24-7, then while God ain't gonna say this 'cause He loves you, I am telling you to go KICK ROCKS!!!

*This blog is dedicated to the men and women of God, who know their purpose and not afraid to walk in it! Remember there were some folks that didn't understand Jesus either! :) AMEN!

Time for HIS STORY...

2008-10-30T09:56:00.004-04:00

Blog readers!!! I know you are surprised to see a new blog from me as I said I was going on a hiatus. But recently the Spirit of God has been speaking to me and I have to be obediant...Thus here I am bloggin' a blog.

Let me preface this blog (cause sometimes you have to preface stuff to let people know up front where you are coming from or they will get all offended...not yall but I know you know someone like that...) by saying I am not writing this to purposely offend anyone, I am not writing this to promote any political agenda and if it is taken anyway other than the spirit in which I am writing (love), I apologize up front.

Let's face it folks, this election process has been one of the most exciting, strange, and annoying all at once that I have ever experienced. Yes, I'm gonna say it, most black folks are really happy about Obama's chance at becoming President. No problem with that. Just like there is no problem with some women being excited about Palin having a chance at being the first female VP. But folks I have to tell ya, there is a problem with turning excitement into obsession! And while we don't want to acknowledge the BIG OL' ELEPHANT, election insanity, it is becoming real prevalent! For instance, how uncool is it for a man to hold a woman at gun point force his views on her b/c she is an Obama supporter or for two guys to hang a Palin mannequin from their roof with a noose. Come on people, the election process is not new...but what this one has done was uncover just how extreme folks can be...Anyway, I will be glad when the election is over...I am tired of the craziness, the tv ads, the yards signs, the racism, and most of all, the emails...Oh yeah, I have been getting tons of emails from both sides...pro-Obama and pro-McCain...

But here is what I really want to get in to and I am trying to let the Lord lead me, so hang in there. A month of Sundays ago, I was on my way to church, and I passed some street vendors. This is nothing new...but this particular Sunday, my attention was drawn to the t-shirts he was selling. These were Obama t-shirts with his face on the front, blowing in the Sunday morning breeze. And I thought, wow, suppose folks were this excited about Jesus?...not that I am saying they should've been selling t-shirts with Jesus on the front...wouldn't make sense no way since we don't know what Jesus looks like...anyway, my point is not about the t-shirts but about the mind set. Then my thoughts went to, is any of this (the t-shirts, the buttons, the dolls, etc...) a form of idoltry? Think about it...People from both sides are really consumed with these four individuals (Obama/Biden, McCain/Palin) to the point of feuding with family members, losing friends, vandalism, and saddest of all wanting to physically harm or kill those who don't see as you do...Are people for real? Have they made mini gods out of these folks?

A friend shared a conversation with me. She said a guy made the statement to her, that as a Christian, she should vote for Obama because he stands for hope, the same kind of hope that Jesus stood for... my initial thought was, "you gotta be freakin' kiddin me?" Folks, we need to be very careful...God is not mocked, we will reap what we sow...Now, let me say, this has no reflection on what I think about Obama because as far as I know he never asked anyone to place him on a pedistal or compare his seeking a government office to the death and ressurrection of Jesus the Christ. I think he wants to be president because he feels like he can make a difference...which is how I am sure McCain feels as well. They just have different approaches...

As recently as yesterday, I received this email about a fast. Now I believe wholeheartedly in fasting. So I am like let's see what this is about...the email was encouraging folks, as Christians, to fast for Obama. And I thought hmmmm...it didn't sit well with me and I couldn't figure out why. I mean I certainly don't want any harm to come to him or no one else...and I believe in fasting...so what was my problem? Then God spoke to me...

As a Christian, in light of all the evil and craziness behind this year's election...wouldn't it be more appropriate to fast for all parties involved and over the whole process? As a Christian, my concern should not be limited to just who I want to become President. Let's look past earthly matters and turn our hearts and minds to the things of God who is concerned about all of His creation. Let's fast that whoever is elected will humble himself and acknowledge the I AM and seek His face for wisdom and understanding. God is still in charge whether you believe it or not. No one, and I mean NO ONE, not Barack, not John can do anything unless it is God's Will and God's allows him too. Let's fast because folks are going crazy over this election and some strange times are coming in America. We got folks out here plotting to decapitate black folks and kill Obama...why should I have a target on my back because they don't want a black man for president? How crazy is that? People attacking and beating McCain campaign workers! What cause is this helping or promoting? I will tell you, it is promoting the work of the enemy! And God is not pleased with us. If we are gonna fast about something, we need to fast that God's mercy will appear and not His wrath!

God is not mocked, we will reap what we sow! He is showing us but we are too consumed to see it. Believe tough times are coming. Let's fast that the folks who don't know Jesus will come to know Him. On Christ the solid rock we need to stand because all other ground is sinking sand.

There will be no redemption and salvation coming from the next United States President. While making history would be a defining moment...HIS STORY is the one we need to focus on if we are gonna make it. Let's fast and ask God to forgive us for putting our trust in man and not in Him. God is a jealous God, He told us this and if you know the WORD, He has destroyed entire nations (men, women, children, and animals) just to get the attention of His people.

Just something to consider. It is my prayer that I said this the way God wanted me to. And if I didn't, Lord please forgive me...

Be blessed Blog Readers! Not sure when I will pass this way again. But you never know...

My Voice - My Choice

2008-08-29T15:48:00.004-04:00

"O beautiful for spacious skies, For amber waves of grain, For purple mountain majesties Above the fruited plain! America! America! God shed his grace on thee And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea!"

In case you didn't know these are the words to America the Beautiful. Hmmmmm...America the Beautiful...Is it really? So have you been following the election race? I mean how can you not...unless of course you are the most disconnected person on the planet. So who's your man? Obama or McCain? You don't have to tell me. But you had to know I could not let these historic events go without giving my stance on things. And then I am gonna make a risky move and tell you who I want to be my leader. I think some will be surprised and then some won't b/c well yall know how I do...after all some of you have come to know exactly how my mind works...But first I wanna say a few things...may I? Thanks!

MY VOICE

So we have an election of epic proportions. We've seen a campaign with candidates that truly represent this melting pot in which we live. But now it comes down to two men who see things totally different and both think they are right. It's funny, I just took a little online citizenship quiz and it asked who is the government accountible to? And the answer I chose was "The people" and guess what? I was right! Soooo, if the government is accountible to the people, how is it only two different points of view of two men are our only choices for president? Basically, when you vote, unless you write in a name, you are saying I stand solely with Obama or I stand solely with McCain. But what if you can pull a little from both sides, your voice really doesn't count. So is this fair? This electorial process is very polarized and in my opinion broken.

Do the words below sound familiar? What do they mean? Apparantly these are just words on paper. Because there are Americans who can quote but don't really believe the first line. Not even the men that wrote it. From the beginning this government was suspect but I do think the founding fathers were trying to get it right but they still had some misguided ideas they refused to let go of. Anyway, read it with me:

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness."

Hmmmmm...yeah, so what is wrong with this picture? Same thing that has been wrong for a long time. It was never the intention for man to be governed by man. So will we ever get it right, of course not. We just don't get it and as long as we try to do it our way and not God's way, we never will.

Since the day the Israelites asked for a King...(1 Samuel 8:4-22):

(4) So all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah. (5) They said to him, "You are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways; now appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other nations have." (6) But when they said, "Give us a king to lead us," this displeased Samuel; so he prayed to the LORD. (7) And the LORD told him: "Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king. (8) As they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you. (9) Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will do." (10) Samuel told all the words of the LORD to the people who were asking him for a king. (11) He said, "This is what the king who will reign over you will do: He will take your sons and make them serve with his chariots and horses, and they will run in front of his chariots. (12) Some he will assign to be commanders of thousands and commanders of fifties, and others to plow his ground and reap his harvest, and still others to make weapons of war and equipment for his chariots. (13) He will take your daughters to be perfumers and cooks and bakers. (14) He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves and give them to his attendants. (15) He will take a tenth of your grain and of your vintage and give it to his officials and attendants. (16) Your menservants and maidservants and the best of your cattle and donkeys he will take for his own use. (17) He will take a tenth of your flocks, and you yourselves will become his slaves. (18) When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, and the LORD will not answer you in that day." (19) But the people refused to listen to Samuel. "No!" they said. "We want a king over us. (20) Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles." (21) When Samuel heard all that the people said, he repeated it before the LORD. (22) The LORD answered, "Listen to them and give them a king." Then Samuel said to the men of Israel, "Everyone go back to his town."

MY CHOICE

The people had a KING, a real KING who could fight and win any battle but they didn't see it. They were blind and wanted to live like the rest of the world. But this passage has really been eye-opening for me. Cause I thought, hmmmm, I don't need a president. I have something better and greater. See while I intend to exercise my right to vote, my leader has been around and has done more for me than any man. See I place no faith in Obama, I place no faith McCain. My help does not come from either of them. So it doesn't matter what they do, I have a connection with the I AM. So while the world fights and feuds over the ideologies of two men and two politcial parties, I can't get bogged down in that. I know the Obama folks are saying, but Sherry what about HOPE! To that I say, "My Hope is built on nothing less than Jesus's blood and righteousness!" And I can hear the McCain folks saying what about the safety and security of our nation and our freedom? To that I say, "Now the Lord is Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty!"

I think Martin Luther King Jr. said it best when he proclaimed in his final speech:

"Well, I don't know what will happen now. We've got some difficult days ahead. But it doesn't matter with me now. Because I've been to the mountaintop. And I don't mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over. And I've seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people will get to the promised land. And I'm happy, tonight. I'm not worried about anything. I'm not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord."

Battle of the Sexes

2008-06-30T09:53:00.005-04:00

I know what you are thinking..."another blog so soon?" Sure, why not? My thoughts always come in spurts and this time I have spurted again. Before I begin, let me just say, Happy early July 4th! Don't pig out too much this weekend. But I hope you do enjoy yourself. At least try to use this weekend not to think about gas prices...that's enough to depress anyone.

So anyway, here's what was on my mind. I was actually going to write a continuation to my "friendship" blog as I still have some more to say on the matter BUT something else came along and I decided to blog about this instead. Of course I might spurt again and still write my Friend blog part II, we'll see. So a couple of weeks ago, I received this email which contained a sermon called "Sex and the City" The pastor was using references to the movie about the four friends looking for love as they live in NYC. Now I never watched the tv show so I didn't have any interest in seeing the movie but I kinda have the gist of what it is about just from the previews, etc...So this pastor's sermon begins using these women as examples and then he goes on to discuss relationships, sex, and single Christians. Anyway, I decided to pose my concerns of this message to a Christian male whose opinion I trust. Then I thought I need to blog about this so here are my thoughts as I posed them to him. Of course, it's not verbatim, I had to tailor it for my blog readers...

As I listened to the message I was like "he is preachin'!!!"... but then I began to ponder the message later that evening. Then as I considered it some more and my cynical side began to surface. Why cynicism? Because I thought, (1) we've, Christians, heard all this before and (2) many will agree with these messages, praise the Lord but still follow their flesh and (3) most of these messages come from married preachers who rarely expose how they handled these situations before they got married. For all we know, they have been married all their lives and never dealt with this kind of thing. I will give Juanita Bynum credit though, she is one of the few who pulled out her skeletons with her "No More Sheets" message which was before she got married. I think that is why women were drawn to her. Then she got married and acted just like the rest...

Anyway, I thought he seemed to be doing a lot of talking to the women. A lot of his examples, inferences, and what not seemed to speak to the mistakes and bad choices women make. Of course, one could argue, his message was equally relevant to men. Sure. But I am thinking why not just put it out there about the men too, if he is going to take the direct approach. I have said time and time again, Christian men are not subjected to the criticisms and scrutiny of the Christian women. But who are these men leading the women astray? I can tell you, not all of them are non-Christian men. There are Christian men who want a Christian woman cause they want to be "equally yoked" but aren't really ready to submit to God's will. So what do they do, they either (1) convince the woman since she is his "soul mate" it is okay to sleep together, (2) respect the woman's wishes but gets his kicks on the side from someone more willing, (3) knows good Christian women but because she doesn't look a certain or act a certain way (usually by worldly standards), decides to get a non-Christian women who fits what he wants and hopes she will change or here's the biggy, (4) uses scripture to try and justify being disobedient and then relying on the fact, God is a forgiving God. All this makes me wonder, does a Christian man really want a Christian woman? While Christian women fall all over themselves, doing non-Christian things to snag a Christian man, Christian men do not seem to be pressed about it.

I am not taking the responsibility off the women because life is about choices. But can't you see how some women will say, "well, I want a man, he's a good man and a Christian and if all I have to do is this and that, I won't lose him." Soooo, she does and he moves on 'cause well, she has lost her credibility in his eyes. Now when what is done in the dark comes out in the light, the woman is looked at as a weak Christian, she needs prayer, please help her Lord and no one says, well what about the man? Remember, now I am not talking about the non-Christian men 'cause frankly we know how they roll. I am talking about the Christian ones.

God held Adam responsible for Eve's actions. So why is it always the women who need pray for deliverance and pray for strength and to get their acts together? Of course we do need to do this but I am speaking particularly about these kinds of single Christians messages like the pastor preached. They always seem to be directed at women. And it is funny how, when I think back to all of the sermons I have heard of this nature, they all are women-centric but for some reason, it finally hit me, "this is so one sided, what about what the men are up to?" Maybe I didn't notice before because it is what I had come to expect. One could argue maybe it is because there are more women than men in church. Which makes me think well there's the problem. Women are in church, the men are hit and miss so they are not being convicted as often. But on the other hand, if the women are the ones in church, what are they learning or what is being taught, if they can get so easily sidetracked from God's will? Hmmmmmm...

Either way, male or female, the truth is the truth and so put it out there for both sides. Sin has no gender last time I checked. It ain't just the women messing up. Now while I learned that this pastor does have a large female congregation, I can imagine that the women definitely left that service feeling alot crappier than the men did.

Honestly, I think the men still get off easy. Here is an example of what I mean just to illustrate my point though...I believe a Christian woman does want a real Christian man but a Christian man can take her (if she is willing to compromise) or leave her (he'll get a worldly woman and not worry about it). Either way, he's good in society's eyes. How so? Well, in the first instance, no one will know about the compromise, cause the Christian woman won't tell b/c it will make her faith look shaky and the Christian man won't tell cause he'll look like a playa or rogue. So what will people think? "Aw, What a fine Christian man. He found a fine Christian woman!" In the second instance, he will look like a hero, rescuing the worldly woman from a life of sin, helping her turn her life around. And of course if things don't work out, it won't be because he should have never been with her in the first place, it will be because she wasn't a Christian to begin with.

Are you following my logic? Probably not, but that's cool. I am sure one can argue against my points but remember this is of course just my humble opinion. At least I gave those of you who care about stuff like this something to think about. Anyway, yall can stick a fork in me 'cause I'm done!

*This blog is dedicated to "Sunshine". Thanks for indulging me and not getting offended as I went on my tirade about Christian men. Your feedback and understanding was greatly appreciated! And dedicated to "B-side" for her commitment to living for the Lord and being an inspiration!

The Real BFF

2008-06-09T12:44:00.006-04:00

I don't know where you are blog readers but I hope you have some AC. Boy it is hot here in Charlottesville, VA. And while I was complaining about the cold office I sit in, I am not saying a mumbling word about it today. Anyway, it has been a while but time got away from me as I was making my transition to Charlottesville, VA for the summer. Nevertheless, I always have something on my mind but it usually takes the right moment in time for me to put my thoughts into a blog. So here I am and I guess what you wanna know is, what's on my mind this time?

Well, some recent, some not-so-recent, and some fairly old events have caused me to re-evaluate the meaning of the term "friend". I know yall are like "uh-oh, who knocked over Sherry's Kool-aid?" Ah well I wish it were so simple. But actually it is a lot deeper for me than you may imagine. It's funny because nowadays, the term friend is used quite loosely. Especially on the internet. You have "myspace friends", "facebook friends", "Aggienation friends". Some people have over 1000 myspace friends. Now I ask you is it even possible to call over a thousand people your friend? Acquaintance, yes! Associate, yes, colleague, yes! But friend? I don't think so. Well I don't have that many myspace friends and truth be told, they are not all really my "friends". Now this is not a bad thing, doesn't mean I don't care about these folks. It just means by my definition of what a friend is, they are not all friends. You now even have the term BFF which for you less cool, savvy folks who don't keep up with the lingo of the young folks, means "Best Friends Forever". Imma come back to this term in a moment...

So what do I think is a friend? Well as recent as today, I got this list of what a friend is from a friend/she-ro of mine and I tend to agree with what she says. So rather than re-invent the list, I will just give it to yall. She says a friend is:

someone who listens
someone who is honest
someone who doesn't judge
someone who actually cares about me and how I am doing just as much as I care about them and how they are doing
someone who checks in on me periodically
someone that has your back in good/bad/sad times
someone who can keep things in confidence
someone who can be honest with you and vice versa
someone you can talk to about anything or about nothing at all
someone who doesn't get mad if you don't call them right back and understands that you WILL call them and they understand that we all have busy lives
someone you can laugh with, cry with
someone who doesn't put on any airs or wear any masks

Now you see why I used this list? Pretty impressive right? As I read this list, I thought, ok Sherry, do you have any people like this in your life? And to my surprise, my list is real short. Some of yall are surprised by that. Being a world-renowned blogger (smile) doesn't make you a friend magnet, I will tell you. Now some of yall no doubt are reading this and thinking "am I on Sherry's friend list?" Well read the list, if this applies to you then yes, absolutely, you are my friend. If not, then I love ya anyhow!!! Now some of yall don't really care if you are my friend and that's cool too. Cause I love you as well with the love of my BFF! And feel free to put me to the test. Cause I actually would not expect people to be for me what I am not for them. And if I don't pass then I love ya anyhow. But know, I am trying.

Now is it reasonable for me to think one person could be all those things in the list? I don't know. It's not like it is rocket science. Basically boils down to being a loving and caring individual. I try and I may fall short but I am always evaluating what I can do to be a better person and better friend. Why? Cause it is important to me to be real with people, with myself and most of all, real with God. And that is all I can expect from anyone and that is to be real. But sometimes, I have expected a bit more than what I have received just because I just expect people to be real. Yea, I am an idealist but yall knew that already. Anyway, these high expectations usually put me in a place of learning hard lessons on who is real and who isn't. Who I can trust and who I can't. Who I can count on and who I can't. Who is my friend and who is not.

But today ladies and gentleman, I am writing this blog to say, my head is no longer in the clouds. I am experiencing some freedom of my mind. I often wondered if I could do this without compromising who I am. And this same person who gave me the list, told me no, I don't have to compromise. Basically, I am not comfortable compromising who I am by God's grace to line up with everyone else. You know how we do, "if they don't care about me, then I don't care about them. If they don't call me, I am not calling them, if they can't be honest with me then I am not gonna be honest with them...blah blah blah." I really want to be someone like this cause frankly it would be easier. But that is not who I am. So what's next?

What's next is I look to the example of the real BFF? (you know best friend forever). Guess who? Yea Jesus! Yep now he is a friend. I mean, he knew Judas was gonna sell him out but did he kick Judas out the crew. Nope. He loved him anyhow. He told Peter, you might say all that stuff now about dying for me but you are gonna turn your back on me, not once but 3 times...When the Roman soldiers came, all Jesus's boys ran. The same men who had been with Jesus and pledged loyalty to...left. But Jesus continued to love them as raggedy as they were. He kept his promise to send a comforter even after He was gone. But most importantly, He never compromised who He was or what He was called to do no matter how unbelieving they were. Now He did call them out on it. They never got away with it but He never stopped loving them and it didn't stop Him from making the ultimate sacrifice for them. WOW! Now that is a true friend! Good news for me, cause I believe, is that He is my friend too. The real BFF!

Now I certainly don't expect any of yall to be a friend to me like Jesus. Cause there is only one Jesus. And if you expect me to be like that then yall gonna be real disappointed. Best I can do is pray that God will help me be who I need to be in Him so I can be a better friend to whoever I am called to be a friend too.

Well my mind is free and I am outta here. Talk to yall soon, BBRF (that means Best Blog Readers Forever)

*This blog is dedicated to my friends, you know who you are*

Sorry...OUT OF ORDER

2008-03-22T16:13:00.006-04:00

Happy Resurrection Day Blog Readers! I know some of yall are confused, but tomorrow is NOT my birthday. I was born on Easter but we know Easter falls on a different Sunday every year. Nevertheless, I so enjoy this holiday which is the BIG KAHUNA of all holidays (at least for Christians). But as special as it is, the world has reduced it to colored eggs and bunny rabbits. The other day I was watching the Today Show which I love, and they were featuring everything Easter from easter egg hunts to easter meals to easter outfits. Ask me if they mentioned J-E-S-U-S...yeah but it was to talk about some debate of whether some shroud was the one He was buried in. I was like, Oooooh-Kay! Jesus died for the sins of the whole world and they want to discuss a shroud. I mean really, He only used it for 3 days anyhow. I don't care about that.

But should I have expected more, Naw! I know the deal even some Christians miss the point. So what more can we expect from the world? Oh yeah, church will be packed tomorrow and everyone will be wearing their new outfits looking real spiffy. But as I was thinking, like I usually do, most of us need to wear the shirts like the one shown in the picture to church tomorrow 'cause most of us are "out of order". I hear ya, "what are you talking about Sherry?" Well you know what Out of Order means? Broke, Needs Repair, Not functioning properly...It is the dreaded sign we hate to see on bathroom stalls and copy machines. OUT_OF_ORDER. Can not be used! Are you with me? Good.

So what am I really saying? Okay, follow me, the first people who need to put on one of these signs is all those people who only show up at church on Easter Sunday. They are straight up, no chaser, out of order. Or how about those folks only want to see what people are wearing, yep, out of order. How about the Christian folks who know what this holiday means but were the first ones at Wal-Mart buying decorations such as easter baskets and candy and colored eggs, or sticking some plastic easter bunny statues out on the front lawn. Say it with me, "Out of Order..."

Now this whole thing gets deeper because being out of order as a Christian is not limited to Easter Sunday. Oh noooooooo. We are out of order all the time, we just think nobody knows it. But God knows it. Remember Galations 6:7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Funny thing is, we take God's forgiveness for granted that some of us get out of order and stay there for a real long time. Not sure why, who wants to be broke down all the time? I sure don't. Some folks like being out of order. But is that how Christians should want to live? Is that how God wants us to live?

(Uh oh, here come the questions) So Sherry, how do you know if you are Out of Order? Essentially, if you are outside the will of God, you are out of order. So Sherry, what is the will of God? God tells us His will in His Word. Read the bible and you will know. So Sherry, is it that simple, just read the bible? Heck no! If it were, everyone would be saved. So Sherry, why are you writing this blog? Well #1 - It is what was on my mind and #2 - I like to encourage others and #3 - I have to encourage myself! Believe it or not, I am just a sinner saved by grace striving everyday to stay in God's Will and not be out of order. I certainly don't want God to tell me on judgment day that my words, my actions, my life confused and messed up some folks. Who wants that blood on their hands? Maybe Oprah but not me...(don't get me started on Oprah, that is another blog for another time.)

So Sherry, how are you gonna talk about others, what about you? Do you need a sign? Glad you asked cause I was just wearin' an Out of Order sign last week. See, I was complaining to God about how come He couldn't just do what I asked Him to do and if He was gonna do it, why was He taking His sweet time? And I was not happy and I was sulking and I was so Out Of Order. And it didn't take me long to realize it. You ever been fussing with your parents and something slipped out and you thought, "oops, I didn't mean to say that, at least not out loud." And your mom or dad gave you this look like, "What did you just say to me?" or "Who do you think you are talking to? I am not one of your friends." Am I the only one this ever happened to? Anyway, I know this is how God was looking at me, in fact I felt it deep down in my spirit. Then He slapped a big Out of Order sign around my heart. But the good news is, I didn't want to stay out of order. That sign was heavy! I knew I had to get back right. So the next day, I fasted and I prayed and I repented. God and I are cool again. WHEW! I needed repair and He fixed me and took that Out of Order sign off my heart. Hmmmmm, perhaps that happened so I could write this blog.

Anyway, I guess the point is recognizing when you are Out of Order and taking the necessary steps to get back in line. Yes God forgives but the consequences of being out of order remain. He says we will reap what we sow. So what will you be wearing tomorrow on Resurrection Sunday or any other day? The Out of Order sign or the Blood of Jesus...

Is America Ready?

2008-02-21T14:35:00.006-05:00

Happy Black History Month! Or should I say "Happy Everybody's History Month" for how can the history made by blacks in America not have affected all Americans. So yes, it is all our history and the fact we have to segregate history by race, is a problem all by itself. Is America ready?

No doubt Martin Luther King would be surprised by today's presidential race. I mean who isn't? A black man or perhaps even a woman with chances of actually becoming the next Commander and Chief of the United States of America. Now let me preface this blog by saying this, I am not writing this blog to endorse any candidate because (1) most endorsements are not given for free and last time I checked, Hillary nor Barack sent me any money and (2) I feel that there is a bigger issue here. And thus I ask the question is America ready? And as I type this blog, I am listening to the words of Dr. King's "I Have A Dream" speech...it is quite a speech. Take some time to listen, I mean really LISTEN, to it in its entirety and not just the "FREE AT LAST" part. And after you do, ask yourself, is America ready? (NOTE: I have posted the speech to my blog for your listening pleasure.)

Some people look at this race and say YES, America is ready. And why wouldn't we believe it? Look at the support Hillary is getting and look at the record numbers that turn out for Obama. One could take a step back and say, looks like things are moving in the right direction. However, when you get past the political promises and eloquent speeches and dig real deep, I say we are progressing but we still have a long way to go. Because for any real change, there has to be a change in the heart.

If you don't believe me, just go on the internet and read some of the comments that folks, our American people write. I have a habit of reading the comments posted by people to various articles. It doesn't matter what the subject of the article, negative comments about race or politics are going to come up. The article could be about puppies and if two puppies in the picture are white and one is black, somebody will write, "why did they even put the black puppy in the article, he is probably a bad puppy like all black puppies?", or "why is there only one black puppy when there are two white ones, why couldn't there be two black ones and two white ones?" Are you following me?

Seriously, my point is every American has some unresolved racist issues. If you don't then God bless your soul because you are truly walking with Jesus. Anyway, I have a couple things to say and then I'll take my seat (that is what the preachers say). I think White America has to acknowledge the past and the past mistakes in order to move ahead. American ain't always beautiful. I know that sometimes the whole "race card" is played so much that it loses some validity. But if one looks past the frequency it is played to the reason it is played in the first place, one would discover that the wounds are deep and people of color have good reasons to be defensive. Wounds have to heal but they won't if the scab is continually aggitated. More importantly, serious wounds leave serious scars. Of course if one has never experienced discrimmination then one cannot relate. Is White America ready?

My second thought is this, I think Black America needs to realize that making everything about race is not productive. For instance, should Barack get the Democratic nomination, the attacks against him are going to kick it up a notch. Why? Cause he's black or because that is the nature of the political beast? I mean seriously, one has to realize that negativety is part of politics. Barack is no fool, he knew this when he decided to run. So one should not get excited everytime he or she hears or reads people say bad things about him and say it is because he's black. This may or may not be true. Battles have to be picked very carefully when one wants his or her arguments to be considered credible. In fact, if Obama got bent everytime people talked about him, he certainly isn't tough enough to run this country. Is Black America ready?

Well blog readers, as promised, I had my say and now I am going to take my virtual seat. Again, Happy Everybody's History Month! Now go and show some love to somebody of a different race!

Martin Luther King, Jr.: I Have a Dream

2008-02-21T14:34:00.001-05:00

Spiritual Pep Rallies

2008-01-21T15:52:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year, Blog Readers! Yep, I know it is Jan. 21 but I haven't had the chance to wish you well for 2008. Indeed I pray that all goes well for you in this year. So what thoughts have been running through this mind of mine since we last communicated? Many things but I just don't have time to put it all in the blog. However, after reading a friend's blog, I realized I have been pondering on somethings and figured it was time to share.

(DISCLAIMER ---WARNING - this is a long blog, get some juice, a snack, and use the potty.)

My church has been going through it's annual 21 Days of Spiritual Renewal services or a revival as most would call it. For me, I thought of the term a "Spiritual Pep Rally". Yall remember pep rallies from high school. (I know some of yall got to go back alittle bit further in time...hee hee). But in case it was too long ago, remember pep rallies were usually that Friday during the school day before homecoming or a big football game. The whole school would gather in the gym, auditorium, or on the football field. The band would play, the cheerleaders would cheer, and the team would be introduced. Everybody was so pumped up. I remember my senior year, my high school principal even did a little rap which at the time made him very cool. Anyway, the purpose of the pep rally was to get the school excited about the upcoming game and show undying support for the team.

Now of course, this comparison sparked from reading an email I received. It was one of those emails where the author has listed all these things women need to do when looking for Mr. Right from a spiritual perspective. Oh yeah, one of those...now don't get me wrong, it was good stuff and any lady looking for Mr. Right would no doubt be pumped after reading it. But then I thought, "we have heard all this before, we get excited but then, "plop", it's over and we are right back where we started. Like a football pep rally or a spiritual pep rally. I hear yall now, "oh here it comes"...Yes, here it comes, cause I have been pondering on why don't we stay pumped, especially when it comes to spiritual matters.

Think about the excitement at the pep rally. You love the team, they love you! RAH! RAH!!! Go TEAM!!! Then the night of the game, your team, who you swore your undying support and devotion to starts to lose. In fact, things are pretty pitiful. Then it happens, slowly the cheers fade, the love dissipates, sometimes, you get downright ugly! By the end of the game, the stands are empty. I often wonder how the players feel when they see that they have been turned on and abandoned. No doubt they want to go home too but they have to play until the clock hits "00:00". GAME OVER! But what do we do? At the next pep rally, we are back and cheering...why didn't we stay til the end of that game?

So here we are going to church every Sunday, pumped and ready for the week. The preacher is the cool, rapping principal, the choir is the cheerleaders, the congregation is the fans and who is our team, The Father, The Son, and the Holy Ghost!!! But as soon as we think our team (who by the way is never going to lose) is not playing like they should, we stop cheering, love dissipates, we get ugly, or we just plain turn our backs on the players. Although some of us come back to be pumped up again but in the meantime, we have probably thought, said, or done some things that are contrary to God's Word making things worse not better. We lost sight of the fact, God's is gonna win and no matter what is going on, He is still God. A Sovereign God!

We need to be more like 3 of my favorite bible heros, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. You know the fellows in the fiery furnace. UH, what's that? Don't I mean Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego? Yeah that's them. But those were their Babylonian names given to them by a chief official. Their mama and 'dem named them Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. You see, it was Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah who grew up knowing the true Almighty God of Israel. Regardless of what the king called them, they knew who they were and Who they served. Now of course you don't have to believe me...read it in Daniel 1:6-7:

6 Among these were some from Judah: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. 7 The chief official gave them new names: to Daniel, the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego.

Even Daniel had a new name. But for some reason, we always call him Daniel. No one ever says "Belteshazzar and the Lions' Den". Anyway, most of us know the story of the fiery furnace. King Nebuchadnezzer builds this huge idol and wants, no, demands everyone to bow down to it at the sound of the music. No doubt the king wanted to have a little pep rally for his statue. But my boys were like, "we ain't bowing, not today, not ever". So some haters told the king. Now I bet these tattle tales didn't want to bow to no dumb statue either but they didn't have the guts to say no. King Neb - 1; Team HMA - 0. Well, the king gets mad and says well, you gonna die if you don't bow. That king was something else. King Neb - 2; Team HMA - 0. Not looking good for Team HMA.

So the king asks, will your god save you if you get thrown in the fiery furnace? I bet he was smirking too, like his gold statue could do any better. Now, if this were us, we probably would have fell apart..."Alright King, we'll bow. But we ain't gonna mean it." We probably said that last part under our breath. I mean, who is really ready to go through the fire for the Lord? We can't even stand the little bit of heat we go through before we lose our pep rally spirit, much less be faced with life or death. Who are we kidding?

But we are not TEAM HMA either. Cause look at what they tell the king, Daniel 3: 16 - 17:

16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."

Check them out. Did you see that? They said, God can save us but if he doesn't, we ain't bowing!" So let me get this straight. They know God can save them. But they know He doesn't have to if he doesn't want to. There is a chance God won't give them what they want? And they are okay with this??? WHAT??? HOW??? WHY??? King Neb - 2, Team HMA - 1. Of course, this ticks the king off. So he says make the fire hotter than ever! In other words, the king is done playing, he's bringing out the secret weapon to put this game out of reach. The "TOM BRADY pass to RANDY MOSS"of all fires! King Neb - 3; Team HMA - 1.

So in the fire they go, but wait, TEAM HMA it ain't over. God could have sent some rain but nope, that's too easy. He pulls out the "big gun" or rather His big Son to join them in the fire. King Neb - 3; Team HMA - 2. Now I don't know all God's thoughts but I bet He was like, "I need to save these fellas cause they didn't turn their backs on Me no matter what. These are My boys!" I mean, even "Ride or Die" Peter, Jesus's best bud, can't claim this. On one hand he says, "Jesus, you are the son of God" and when the fire got too hot, Peter says (3 times, so you know it wasn't slip of the tongue), "Who? I don't know Jesus." So what is the final score? King Neb - 3; HMA - 4 in OT. (1 more point for surviving the fire, and 1 more point for showing the King Neb what is means to serve a real God. Remember no test, no testimony! See Daniel 3:28 - 29:

28 Then Nebuchadnezzar said, "Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king's command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. 29 Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way."

So how is it, that Haniniah, Mishael, and Azariah were able to keep cheering, keep the pep rally going when the team looked like they were losing? In fact, they didn't even care if they lost. They were not going to turn their back on the Lord! WOW! Imagine if all of us who attend those spiritual pep rallies, stayed with the game until the end. Imagine showing the world, do what you want...take God off the money, take the prayer, oppress me, kill me if you have to...I will not bow down...I will not turn my back on...I will not leave God! Imagine telling God, bless me if You want to, answer my prayers if You want to, but if You don't...I will not bow down...I will not turn my back...I will not leave YOU!!!

No matter how bad things look or how they are going, don't leave the game, Blog readers! Keep cheering!

An Easterbaby Thanksgiving

2007-11-24T14:23:00.000-05:00

Happy 2 days after Thanksgiving Blog Readers! I hope that you had a great turkey day and did not overdue it. Of course, I hope as you were chowing down with family and/or friends, you took a moment to reflect on the many things you had to be grateful for. But keep in mind, true thanksgiving should occur more than once per year. At least I am certain that you are blessed more than once per year. Case and point, if you are able to read this blog, it means you can see and read, so there, you have 2 things to be thankful for and it's not Thanksgiving.

For me, I try to always give thanks for my more obvious blessings. But from time to time, I like to reflect on the things that some folks may take for granted. When I first started to blog, you may remember, I gave you a list of things I was thankful for such as caffeine and cellphone alarm clocks. Well, I wrote that blog in November 2005 and since then, I have quite a few more very key things that I am truly grateful for. Perhaps this list may seem odd but you may just see a few things that you can relate to and understand where I am coming from:

8 - TV LAND. Yes I am thankful to the television powers that be for TV LAND. I mean with regular television being garbage, I look forward to be able to turn to TV LAND for some good quality tv. Now some of yall may just think I'm getting old (which may or may not be true) but how can you not love classic tv? There aren't any shows on now that are quite as entertaining as Good Times, Sanford and Son, or Andy Griffith. And now they are showing I Love Lucy! (Vita-meat-a-vegamin). And I don't stop at the comedies, oh noooooo. I have a new found interest in stuff like Bonanza and Gunsmoke. Just last Sunday, I was late for Sunday School trying to see how Marshall Dillon was going to get out of his predicatment. It was serious!!!

7 - Mini cans of spray. Have you seen these? You know when you are in the checkout line at Wal-Mart, and they have all these items right there along with the candy and the tabloid magazines...there amongst the mini packs of tissue and the lint brushes are little cans of spray. Oust was my spray of choice but now they have little Lysols. So why is this a good thing? Well, have you ever been in a public restroom that smelled good? I didn't think so. Well now you can freshen it up. And sometimes, if you are the offender and not the offendee, you can freshen up behind yourself and avoid the funny looks. You feel me? Oh don't act like you have never offended anybody in the public restroom...

6 - The Suze Orman Show. Now I may have misled you by giving the impression only good tv comes on TV LAND. But I will say that on CNBC, I have found a new friend in Suze Orman. Talk about good money matter advice. She tells it to you straight and makes lots of sense. Now don't get me wrong, I don't have all this money lying around that I need to manage but if I ever have any, I won't squander it, thanks to Suze. I like the part of the show where she tells people what they can and cannot afford to buy based on their income, expenses, etc. Now what I learn from this segment is, (1) People are willing to spend money on some ridculous things they can't afford, and (2) No savings, credit card debt, and car leasing are three things that Suze hates. You will be DENIED!

5 - Amazon.com. Yes I have learned to love this website. At the click of a button, I can make a purchase with no checkout lines, no hassles, and no pesky sales clerks. Oh sure, Amazon has been around a long time. But sometimes it takes a minute for one to actually appreciate something. I was little skeptical about the whole online shopping idea. But being who I am, low on patience and time, I have seen the beauty of this phenomenon. Now it hasn't replaced my beloved Wal-Mart yet...there is still the thrill of seeing if I can go in Wal-Mart with a shopping list and only come out with what I had wrote down. Hasn't worked yet but the future is bright. Anyway, thank you Amazon for an alternative.

4 - MP3 players. Do you have one? You may have an IPOD but hey MP3s work the same and cost less. I love this little thing. If you are still carrying around a portable CD player or worst yet a portable cassette player, I invite you to join the age of convenience. I can download like 3 billion songs of my choosing and listen to them from a device no bigger than a business card. On the plane, it's great. At the gym, love it! (yes I go to the gym!) Waiting anywhere, keeps me occupied. It's so small and inconspicuous. If you don't have one, tell someone that is what you must have for Christmas...they are getting cheaper.

3 - Fantasy Football. Some of yall who know me very well know 2 things about me (1) I love football and (2) my dream job would be owning a football team. Yeah owning, meaning I'd be very rich or at least married rich. Well, since I am not rich and haven't married rich (yet!), I don't think I'll be owning a team anytime soon. However, I don't know who this person is but I am so thankful for the creator of Fantasy Football. Why? Cause it is the closest I can get to owning a team as a financially challenged individual. Right now, I have 3 teams in 3 leagues in which my teams are all named...guess? THE EASTERBABY EXPRESS aka "The Train Bringin' the Pain!" Cute, right? Now, my most favorite league is the one I started called the Ladies Fantasy Football League (LFFL). Yes there are women who love football and know more about the game than just who looks the best in the tights. And I have them in my league. Twelve teams managed by some of the best female minds in football. But this league isn't for sissies cause we (mostly me) talk alot of trash. But it's all in fun and makes life a lot more interesting when you spend most of your time in the books.

2 - The GARMIN c340. Now you are asking yourself, what is she talking about? I am talking about a GPS device. I bought one of these things a few months ago and it is the coolest thing since well, Fantasy Football. My dad has one (Nellie Sr.) and I was so captivated by it, I had to have one too (Nellie Jr.). Now Nellie is a she and what she does is, tells you how to get to wherever you need to go turn by turn. GOODBYE MAPQUEST! You have been dethroned! However, as much as I love this thing, there are two things about Nellie Jr. I wish could fix...(1) like most females, she gets an attitude if you don't do what she tells you..."Re-cal-cu-lating!" and (2) she doesn't necessarily know the difference between a good area of the city and an area with some challenges. If it is the quickest route, that is the way you are going.

And what is an Easterbaby Thanksgiving without giving a shout out to the ONE who can give priceless gifts like no one else can...

1 - Divine Sense. What is Divine Sense? Glad you asked. In my 2005 November blog I mentioned that I was thankful for "common sense". However, I have come to learn that common sense is just that - common. Meaning it is common to everyone or it should be. How do you get common sense? Well I think you learn it from your environment. If you are around people who do stuff that seems exceptable, you think, "hmmmmm, that's the norm, so I'll go with it." But let's be honest, today's "norm" is not necessarily a good thing, right?. Anyway, how many times have you seen somebody do something strange and you said, "he or she just doesn't have common sense". No doubt, they have learned this pattern of behavior from other strange folks they've been around (except maybe you...cause if you have made that statement about someone then obviously you feel like you have common sense). Okay, so what about Divine Sense? Oh see that's different. You can only get that from the Good Lord. And it is better than common sense because it is God's way of giving you a small portion of His divine insight. And now if I had a choice of having common sense from strange folks like me or divine sense from the Almighty...I think the choice is clear. So what's the difference? Well here's an example:

Common sense says if you are a smoker, don't offend the non-smokers around you with your second hand smoke, go outside and puff away. Divine sense says,

1 Cor. 3:16 Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?

1 Cor. 6:19 - 20 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.

Now calm down all you smokers...this does not just apply to smoking, there are many things we all do that seem like common sense but truly takes divine sense to overcome because it is bad for us. Think back to what you ate this past Thursday...you see what I mean?

Or how about this example...Common sense says if you have kids, as a parent you should feed them, clothe them, and make sure their needs are met. Divine sense says,

Proverbs 22:6, 15 Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

Proverbs 19:18 Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to his death.

Don't get me wrong, common sense is okay for a while but King Solomon said it best:

Proverbs 14:12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.

Divine Sense can be summed up by this scripture. I got this also from King Solomon cause he was real smart and had been blessed with Divine Sense:

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Be blessed Blog Readers and don't forget, "Everyday is a day of Thanksgiving!"

*This blog is dedicated to the Ladies of the LFFL! Thanks for putting up with all the verbal abuse and hanging with me these past 3 years.

While I have my own personal and degrading nicknames for all the teams, here is a BIG SHOUT OUT to the LFFL teams: April Showers, The Bec-taculars, Blu Bombers, Bumble Bruisers, Cashville Hitters, Huckabucks, Intrepid Synergism, Purple Reign, Road Warriors, 'SkinSquad, SS MOS (Super Sexy Mother Of Seven)

(Members emeritus: Desperado Divas, Donnica's Champs, and The Get Yo Money Playas)

Scarier than Halloween!!!

2007-10-30T20:39:00.001-04:00

My beloved blog readers, I have not forgotten you! Time, however, stands still for no one. So when I realized I haven't written since July, I felt it is time to let you know what is on my mind. BUT here's the deal, so much has been on my mind since July, if I wrote it all, we'd be here for a while. And since we all got things to do, I will do my best to keep it short and sweet. (Hee Hee, we'll see how that goes...)

Well tomorrow is October 31! Happy Halloween to all you who celebrate! See I can say it and I don't even celebrate Halloween whereas, hearing/saying "Merry Christmas" causes some non -Christian folks to suffer a nervous breakdown. It's sad really. I mean, personally I don't find Halloweeners threatening to my lifestyle yet, for some reason, my Christianity is a threat to the others! Wonder why? Hmmmmmmmm! Well, the truth can be scary if you aren't ready for it (or if you can't HANDLE THE TRUTH per Jack Nichalson).

Anyway, I even sat here and watched "It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown". Not b/c of Halloween but b/c it reminded me of a happier, simpler time. Halloween was about dressing up and getting candy but like everything we do, we take simple stuff and turn it into something ugly. Just like Snoopy dressed up as a WWII flying ace and in his mind, he was in WWII fighting. His little dog house was a fighter jet and he was in battle against the Red Baron! But we all know, little Snoopy was just a dog in a red scarf sitting on his doghouse. Laugh at Snoopy all you want, we are no different b/c the stuff we do is way more bizarre than anything in Snoopy's imagination and far scarier than anything associated with Halloween. How so? Glad you asked cause you know I will tell ya...

What could be scarier than Halloween?

For one, animals becoming more important than people! Okay, I am going to say this and I am done. I absolutely think Mike Vick could have found other ventures besides dog fighting to invest his money such as education, heck he could have sent me the money to support my academic pursuits. Is dog abuse wrong? Uh, yeah. But here are my thoughts, has he committed the most horrible crime ever known to man? Uh noooooo! Have you ever seen the movie "Amistad". It only showed a mere glimpse at the horrors and abuse Africans suffered during the slave trade. But Sherry, you went back too far. That isn't happening today. Oh no? Hmmm. Let's ride to Logan County, West VA and ask the 20 something year old woman who was sexually abused, tortured, and beaten. Besides being sexually assaulted, she was stabbed four times in the left leg and cut on her ankles. Both of her eyes were black and blue. Her captors also forced her to eat rat and dog feces and drink from the toilet. The woman also was choked with a cable cord and her hair cut off. And guess what, this happened only a few weeks ago. Did you hear about it? Did it make national news? Where you bombarded with the details of this story? While I bet you can tell me how many dogs Michael Vick killed, did you know this young woman was tortured for about a week, yes a week, by 6 assailants. Now you tell me, where is the outpour of rage on behalf of this young woman like there was for the dogs?

Ok. I better move away from the dogs, cause messing with the dogs will get me in big trouble. After all dogs are quasi-human. So let's talk fish. We have this awful drought in the south. No water for anything! Crops dying, grass dying, rivers and lake drying up! We all know droughts are not a good thing. A drought kills and destroys because water promotes life, right? YES! Life for the fish - the mussels and the sturgeons but for people - fa-get about it! See these fish are endangered so the Army Corps of Engineers drains Lake Lanier in GA of 3 billion gallons of water from the dam to protect the fish. So let me see, it is okay to dry the people out and save the fish which we will eventually go fishing and eat but we won't have any water to wash the fish down, not to mention, without the water, we'll die but the fish will go on. I am a bit confused. Okay the drought isn't that bad yet but you get my point.

What is scarier than Halloween?

Reality Television! Now it is not just the fact Flav-or FLAAAAV got a show or the fact, that a woman who looks like a man in drag, "I Love New York" herself has a show where guys actually want to date her. Ladies, if you haven't found Mr. Right, you are probably are going at it wrong. You have to look like a man dressed like a woman and be extremely ghetto! Being cute, feminine, and intelligient obviously doesn't cut it anymore. Oh but it gets scarier...There is this new show where this chick is trying to find love but the catch is she is choosing among men and women! Obviously being the opposite sex doesn't cut it anymore either. Or how about, this show about the life of the Playboy bunnies who live in Hugh Hefners playboy mansion. And they don't actually do anything exciting or say anything intelligent so why is this a show? I am sure you can figure this out on your own. I have often told my schoolmates that a reality show about getting a PHD would make for great tv. Talk about drama!

What's scarier than Halloween?

George H.allo W.een Bush. Is he not scaier than any ghoul or goblin you have ever seen? No medical insurance for the babies but let's fund the war IRAQ with $136 billion dollars. I am just so over this war. Even the GIs don't even know why they are there nor do they want to be there. Sure the 2 or 3 they interview on the news say "Oh yes, I am behind my Commander and Chief" but I bet they don't speak for all the soldiers. If you know anything about statistics, the sample size does not produce statistically sound evidence to accept the null hypothesis. (Oops, I thought I was in class). So who's left to fight future wars, if we let the kids die?

What's scarier than Halloween?

Taking (or attempting to take) God out of everything. Actually this isn't as scary as it is laughable.

Isaiah 29: 16 You turn things upside down, as if the potter were thought to be like the clay! Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, "He did not make me"? Can the pot say of the potter, "He knows nothing"?

Exactly who do we think we are? If we really had if going on like we think we do, then why is the world so jacked up? Seems to me that the further we get from God the worse off we become. I mean honestly, everytime we legislate anti-biblical legislature, we create more problems. Don't believe me, watch the news. Whether you are a believer or not, you can't deny it.

But the Potter knows his little broken and backwards pots and if the pots know His Word, all we have done to discredit Him only just proves His Word to be true: Romans 1: 21-31 says:

21For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.

24 Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. 25 They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.

26 Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. 27 In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion.

28 Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. 29 They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; 31 they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. 32 Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.

Okay, if that don't scare you, then nothing will! To willfully turn from God and risk becoming every type of evil that would cause Freddie Gruger to run and hide! But this ain't Elm Street, people, and the nightmare is only beginning. Nope this ain't some B-rated horror flick! That's the Word of God! Oh yes my friends, a godless society is the true Halloween. And like the movie GroundHog Day, where Bill Murray lives the same day over and over, if we continue like we are, we will live October 31 over and over until Jesus comes!

Dying for Nothing???

2007-07-11T15:12:00.000-04:00

Blog readers, I pray that all is well with you. You know there are times when things are on my mind and I must stop right then and there to write it down or otherwise it may go into the sea of Easterbaby forgetfulness. So what is so pressing that I stopped everything to give you another blog in the same month? Usually this happens when I have some spiritual enlightment that I feel inclined to share with you. As always not everyone will understand or receive this message but hey, that is the way it is sometimes. But I can't let that stop me...

So here's the deal, I am on the internet looking for a particular image on Google images and I came across a picture of Pat Tillman (not the one shown here). I believe we all know who he is but for the rock dwellers, he is the ex-football player for the Phoenix Cardinals turned soldier who was killed over in Iraq and then the military allegedy gave false information surrounding his death. So I saw this image and something made me click on it. It brought me to this blog of an athiest. This didn't surprise me because I had heard recently that Pat Tillman was an atheist. So maybe Pat was this blogger's atheist hero. Anyway, before I lose you, let me say this blog (mine) ain't about atheism per se. Nope, it is more for the monotheist. In the blog, the writer claimed that a statement was made by a military official to Pat's mom..."Pat Tillman died for nothing because he didn't believe in nothing." This statement got the little wheel in my head a'turning...

My first thought was how tragic to live life not believing in nothing, a life without God...Then my thoughts turned to wonder why he didn't believe...Then my thoughts turned to wonder why no one told him about the good news...Then I thought isn't that what the believers of Christ are suppose to be doing...then I thought so what are we as Christians really up to? So that is where I am in my thoughts.

In Matthew 28: 18 - 20 there is what is known as The Great Commission and it says :

18 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

So if we claim to be followerers of Jesus then shouldn't this be what we are about? Sometimes but not all the time, church gets me frustrated. Now before yall call my pastor, let me 'splain. See I am talking in general, not specifically. Believers gather on Sunday, in our segregated Sunday best and in the confines of the four church walls to worship, praise, and ooze loving kindness towards the Lord and often we send a little love to our church members. In those moments, most feel they are good Christians and believe that time spent in church (on Sunday) excuses them from doing what God asked (i.e. The Great Commission). People get happy, shout, and get saved that day and then sent out into the world. Some of them don't last long cause they don't understand what happened or what their salvation means. For instance, I had a friend get saved for about a week. A week??? Yep, a week. After that she said she couldn't do it. Not sure what it was she thought she had to do...cause salvation is a gift. All she had to do was receive it. Anyway, who was responsible for seeing her through this journey?

Ok, put the phone down. My pastor is too busy to listen to you talk about me and my blog. I am not against church, in fact I love attending church. It is a great place to fellowship with fellow believers and more importantly, get divine instructions from God's Word from His servant. My point is that I just think we sometimes get it wrong. We think we are okay if our prayers and needs are met and answered. All is well in our little world. But what did Jesus say about himself in Luke 4: 18 - 19:

18 "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."

So why have the followers of Jesus changed the mission? Some of the business we are about is so far removed from what Jesus did while he was here. Some churches won't even let you be a member without completing an application. So how do the poor, imprisoned and oppressed fit into the picture at this type of church? But Sherry, we aren't Jesus. You got that right, far from it. But Jesus gave us the power He had so we could do what He did. Act 1:8 says:

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

Now when Jesus sent out the 72 disciples...What? Yeah I said 72. You think there were only 12? Now how do you suppose these other 60 disciples came to be? Here's a thought, they had seen or heard about Jesus, maybe at the big fish fry or maybe in the temple or maybe they witnessed Jesus performing miracles or maybe one of the 12 witnessed to them. Who knows? But what didn't happen is that they sat around waiting for the next Sabbath day to roll around to meet back up with Jesus at the temple. No, Jesus said "Okay yall got to get to work. What you know about me, everyone needs to know. Don't keep it to yourself. Get busy and if they reject you, don't sweat it, keep on moving!" (Sherry's paraphrase). And they were walking yall...Imagine if they had cars to drive. And when they got back they were excited. In fact, the bible uses the term "joy". Luke 10:17 -18

17 The seventy-two returned with joy and said, "Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name." 18 He replied, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. 20However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."

And their joy made Jesus very thankful. Luke 10:21 says...

21At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.

So let me see, there is joy in doing God's work, and Jesus is grateful...so much so, He writes our names in heaven. WOW! So I say, why did Pat Tillman die for nothing? Why are so many others like him gonna die the same way? You see death can be overcome. But we gotta tell people. Not just the ones we see at church every Sunday but everybody. Why do you think God tests us? To give us a testimony. And what will a testimony do? Save a life! Yep! Sounds simple, huh? But hey I didn't come up with that. That is the Word! Revelations 12:11 says:

11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

I just know someone is out there going, "so Ms. Sherry, what are you doing? Telling us what we ain't doing..." To that I say, I am not doing nearly as much as God has for me to do. But in my defense, God gives us all certain abilites to do His work. Like the 72, they had two good feet and some pretty durable pairs of sandals, I imagine. As for me, He gave me a PC, a blog, and a way with words; thus I use what I got to get what HE wants. Oh I hear ya...you think this doesn't count as spreading the gospel. Perhaps it is and perhaps it ain't. But believe it or not, not everyone that reads my blog is a Christian.

In closing, the atheist blog had a little motto...it said "Hands that work are better than lips that pray." Hmmmmmmm...now don't get all indignant because even the bible says in James 2:20 - 26:

20 You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? 21 Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. 23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,"and he was called God's friend. 24 You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.
25 In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? 26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

Imagine if we, the Believers with our power from on high, had praying lips AND working hands, what a difference that would make. Perhaps all Pat needed was to have someone share a testimony with him. Of course, he'd probably still be dead 'cause he got shot BUT he may not have died for nothing. That WORD may have lead him to Jesus and he would be living again with Him in glory.

FREEDOM of the MIND

2007-07-02T12:07:00.000-04:00

Blog Readers, wow have I missed you all. It seems the time has gotten away from me. I last blogged in April and before I knew it, it was July. So I decided it was time to correspond with my "peoples".

Of course so much has been happening since my last blog that I could probably write for hours about stuff but I don't have that kind of time. So with the time I do have, I just wanted to type about something that I have pondered since my last blog. In honor of Independance Day, I am gonna "free my mind" somewhat.

I want to free my mind of what it means to be in graduate school earning a PHD. A friend of mine (Big shout out to Dr. Michelle) says that P.H.D. stands for "Permanent Head Damage". For all those who know, this statement is very funny and very true. I think people often underestimate the time and energy it takes to go through this process. And I say this because I think folks think I am kidding when I say "I am going to school (on a Sunday afternoon) or "I don't have time to..." It is more than just taking classes...for me, it is like a form of "hazing". Uh-oh, did I say hazing? Yep and it lasts for 4 years as opposed to the few weeks, greek orgs. have their pledgees on line. Oh and yes I did say four years! So for those who keep asking me if I am STILL in school. Yes I am. Some programs can take you as long as 5 years depending on your research. So don't look at me like an "underachiever" or a "career student" when I say I am still in school. That is just the nature of the beast.

So what is research in the PHD program? Research is developing your very OWN problem and solving it. Sounds easy? NOT! Because before you can do this, you have to make sure no one has ever done it before so you are not a copy cat. And you have to make sure when your committee asks, "So how do you think this research has contributed to the body of knowledge?" You will be able to answer with confidence. "THE BODY OF KNOWLEDGE"...now that is saying a whole lot right there...that statement alone is enough to cause permanent head damage. So what does it mean to solve your own problem AND contribute to the BODY OF KNOWLEDGE...it means that my research is always on my mind...ALWAYS!

I had the plesasure of attending a conference a couple weeks ago. I learned lots there but I had pangs of guilt b/c I wasn't working on my research. Yes, part of the permanent head damages involves guilt about not spending every waking moment on your work. Not writing or reading something 25 hours a day and 8 days a week and 366 days a year is not an option (at least that is how you feel)...see how messed up I am??? Oh yeah and what exactly is a "holiday"? Me and some collegues went to a 1 day conference for a presentation in VA during the Spring Break and called it a "vacation". Yep, in the PHD program, you take what you can get and are glad about it.

And let me free my mind with something else. Getting a PHD does not change the person, it changes other people and how they treat you. Most of the time if someone asks me what I do, I simply say, " I am in graduate school". Why? Cause the minute I say I am working on my PHD (getting that permanent head damage), folks change. They start talking funny (all proper like) and I am thinking "what is going on?" cause I am still speaking as "southern" as I was before. I probably said I was getting a PHD real country like too...Or folks start trying to prove how smart they are by talking about "educated-type" stuff and I am thinking "So we can't joke no more?". Or they act like we are on Jeopardy and try to "test" my brain. It's like "since you are getting a PHD, you must know this stuff." I guess they want to know (along with my committee) if I can truly contribute to the BODY OF KNOWLEDGE". Some folks will politely end the conversation with me.

People have asked me, "So what do you want to be called?" or "You don't expect me to call you Dr. Springs, do you?" And I am like call me "Sherry". They have me wondering if Sherry has been my name all these years or was I dreaming? Now in the appropriate setting, I am sure I will be addressed as Dr. Springs but the people who usually asks this will not be sitting in my classroom or attending a conference or working at the same institution as myself. So I often wonder why they ask me stuff like that.

And finally, I must free my mind of one more thing. People have asked me about my research. Boy I dread this question...Why? Because I know that if I explain it the way I understand it, in the end, the person who asked will be looking at me like "WHAT?" Which causes me to have to answer more questions. And then the person thinks you are just trying to show how smart you are. But that's not it at all. Most of the time, we are just understanding what we are doing ourselves. Trust me, everyone's contribution to the BODY OF KNOWLEDGE is so different and specialized, it is not uncommon to find no one understands but you. This is a common plight of most PHD students (yeah we talk).

We have joked that a Reality Show could be made about the life of a PHD student. Hey, don't roll your eyes...it would make for some interesting television 'cause we have our share of drama.

Anyway, I am glad I was able to free my mind. Thanks for your attention. And if none of this makes any sense or there are any typos or grammatical errors please understand that I suffer from getting that P.H.D. (permenant head damage). Happy July 4th, Er'body!!!

*This blog is dedicated to all the folks who have that P. (Permanent) H. (Head) D. (Damage) and those still in the trenches with me (especially the "lab rats" of IRC #328 and IRC #222.)

Tribute to the Redbone

2007-04-25T08:03:00.000-04:00

I know some of you are wondering where I am going with this blog. Well hang in there with me for a moment and you will see. For those of you unfamiliar with the term "redbone", it is a term which is less than complimentary used to describe beautiful black people of lighter complexion. I am not sure of the origins but I can bet that it probably has origins from slavery. And I will also bet that most derogatory terms we use come from the plantation. Unless you live under a rock, I know you have heard about the Don Imus incident. No, I am not here to re-hash it all but I wouldn't be my opinionated self, if I didn't mention it before I make my point.

First of all, while I don't agree with the derogatory messages in Hip Hop, I do not think Hip Hop music had anything to do with Don Imus's comments. He said what was in his heart and directed to a specific group of women. Also, I wasn't necessarily taken back by the "nappyhead" comment cause well, truth be told alot of us have nappy heads. And that is nothing to be ashamed of. It is what it is. In fact with the emergence of dreads and natural hair styles, African Americans have come to love their hair. But to call those females, "hoes" was way out of line. Nevertheless, we as black folks are up in arms and want Don's head on a platter. He crossed a line and but had he been a black man, would he have been okay with saying this? Not to me. Rude and disrespectful is rude and disrespectful, no matter what color.

So is there a double standard? Some say no, but I say oh heck yeah. In fact, I have been a victim of this double standard most of my life that I have memory. For those of you who may not realize this, but in the African American community, I was born a "redbone". Although, I am sure the doctor told my mother she had a healthy nine pound baby girl of which I am sure she was and still is truly proud. And, get this, she named me Sherry, not "Redbone", after the song "Sherry Baby", that 1960's song. In the African American community, we love giving each other nicknames. I think most of the time, they are usually terms of endearment, however, even as a child as well as an adult, I never found any love when folks (often family members) referred to me as a "redbone" or "high yellow". I mean, we all know where this color stigma began...back on the plantation where the light skinned slaves worked in the house and the darker skinned slaves worked outside which obviously caused some division among the people. And while most of us in 2007 have never been a slave or worked on a plantation, we still treat each other like we are working for "Massa". The irony is that we want the Caucasian community to realize we are not still on the plantation but we continue to behave like we are still living there.

Is the a double standard? Yes. Because should I ever make reference to any African American who is darker than myself in some way that is less than complimentary, I am sure I would be labeled as "thinking I was better than", or "thinking I am white" or some other label. But yet and still, as a black person with the lighter hue, is it okay in 2007 to refer to me as a "redbone"? I don't think so and I am speaking out on behalf of all the light skinned beautiful black people. Racism from other races is not cool and Racism from your own is even less cool.

Now I know what yall are thinking, "Sherry, you ain't never made reference to another black person's color in a derogatory way." Honestly, no I don't recall and if I have God forgive me. I have used color to describe someone but I never thought to make fun of something a person has no control over. Why? Well, it would be silly for me to make fun of light skinned people since I am one. Plus why disrespect my mother who is a beautiful light skinned woman. And why would I make fun of someone who is dark when my father is a beautiful dark skinned man. And why would I, when my family is a beautiful collage of African Americans who have different skin tones. And why would I when I have friends who range from beautifully dark to spectacularly light. No, my friend, color makes no difference to me.

Don't get me wrong, I am not taking anything from those of you with dark skin who have suffered the same racism from your own people. But I can only speak to the situation I know. However, what I am really saying is that it is ALL wrong no matter what color you are and how you have been treated. And we all know, two wrongs, don't make a right.

So if my skin color bothers you, you must take that up with the One responsible for it. You see in the womb, God said he knew me. He made me in his image and according to Psalm 139:13 -14:

13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

I am in no position to dispute the Almighty about his choice to use the light brown crayon on my body. So in that respect, I will proudly accept His choice. And I am so glad His concern is for my soul and not based on my skin color. In order to rid our community of this plague that has followed us off the plantation, be proud of who you are and learn to respect others for who they are.

Peace and blessings to everyone, especially my blog readers (black, white, brown, purple, green...) but most of all, this blog goes out to the "REDBONES!"

Why the name "Easterbaby"???

2007-04-08T18:55:00.000-04:00

Blog Readers, where has the time gone? I haven't blogged since the first of the year. But I have a valid reason for neglecting you, I promise. School has been keeping me very busy and while I have had soooooooooo many things on my mind, I just have not had the time to write it down. I even started a blog but I deleted it because, well, that moment passed and I have somethng different on my mind. Like what? You ask...Well, based on my pen name, "Easterbaby", you can just imagine what is on my mind. My birthday? Nope. Guess again. Shocked ya didn't I? Okay, yes my birthday is Wedneday, April 11 BUT that is not the reason for my blog. C'mon...EASTER-baby...That's right, today is Easter Sunday or as some like to call it, RESURRECTION DAY!

As I am sure some of you have contemplated on long drives home or as you go throughout your day, why does she call herself the Easterbaby? Most would probably say, DUH, cause she was born on a Easter Sunday. While this is true, I only consider a small part of the real blessing of being able to say I was born on the day in which we recognize the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Son of the living God. For some who don't know why we celebrate Easter let me 'splain...or better yet let the bible 'splain...

John 3:16:
16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Matthew 28:1 - 9
1After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.
2There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.
5The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."
8So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me."

Now I know some of you are thinking, but they said they found Jesus's bones and his wife and his son...Yeah, that is what they said. That is "man's" report. Funny how man is trying so hard to prove this and prove that about Jesus, about God. Don't be surprised by this because as Jesus walked the earth he had a hard time proving he was who he said he was to the people who walked, talked, ate with him. You know, his homies. Even Thomas said, I won't believe he has risen unless I see the nails marks. But what did Jesus tell Thomas (emphasis mine in bold):

John 20:26 - 29
26A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" 27Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."
28Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!"
29Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

Well, I have not had the priviledge of putting my hands in the side of the risen Savior but there ain't no stopping my belief. But those men on tv said...I hear ya but let me tell you what those men on tv don't know.

They don't know about the pinched nerve I had which caused me so much pain, the docs told me I needed an operation I couldn't afford. However, one day I prayed in the name of Jesus about this situation and I haven't experienced this pain since...can we all say "no operation!" What they don't know is that the X-rays and MRIs showed I had torn ligaments in my knee so I went under the knife but the night before my pastor prayed for me in the name of Jesus...and when they went into my knee, the ligaments were in place.

What they don't know is that while unemployed my car broke down and I was able to buy a brand new car. All because I called on the name of Jesus. What they don't know is that when I was feeling persecuted and ready to fight my own battles, I called on Jesus and he said be still, I got this. And he fixed my situation so I was able to put my enemies under my feet. What they don't know that when times got tough for me financially, it was by the name of Jesus that I still have somewhere to sleep, food to eat, clothes to wear, and bills paid. You see what they don't know is when I was depressed for months, I called on Jesus to change the situation I was dealing with and he said Hold on, I got this. And he moved like he said he would.

What they don't know is back in February while I was taking my preliminary exam, I was physically sick, mentally tired, and emotionally miserable and ready to give up. That was a Monday morning. I called on some of my praying friends who know what it means to call on Jesus and they prayed me through. I had a renewed energy by Monday afternoon. What they don't know is I have seen prayers answered on a daily basis, not just for me, but for others who know there is power in the name in Jesus, not the bones of Jesus, but the name of Jesus. He is alive and interceding for me to my Father. I don't know about you but I choose to be on the side of the ONE who has the power, not men, who have no power, who will die, and who will have to stand before the same Jesus and PRAISE HIM!

Revelations 5:12 - 13
12In a loud voice they sang: "Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!"
13Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, forever and ever!"

So why the name "Easterbaby" because I am recognizing the resurrection everyday of my life. And when you think about me and this name, this is what I want you to remember not just that Sherry was born on Easter.

(However, I will not pass on any gifts or birthday wishes that you decide to bestow upon me on the date of my birth! ;)

Happy Resurrection Day!

Do Not Be Deceived!

2007-01-03T07:45:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year Blog Readers! I am sorry I didn't make a December blog. But it wasn't cause I didn't have a lot on my mind but the holidays were busy for me. My New Year's was very interesting. I had a stomach virus from 12/30/06 - 1/1/07. So I brought the New Year's in purging. Please don't make me explain further...Anyway, if you have ever had a stomach virus, you know it ain't pretty. Now of course I could complain about it but I choose to view this virus as God's way of cleaning me up for 2007. So now I am ready for the new year with a new mind set and some clean intestines.

So what could possibly be on my mind the 3rd day of a New Year. ALOT! Now I know sometimes I write blogs that make you smile and while I try to see the humor in life...my first blog of the new year isn't about making you smile or feel good. I just want to give you something to consider for 2007. So where am I going today? I am going to start with a this Scripture:

Galations 7:6
7Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.

There are many scriptures in the bible that speak plainly and I think it doesn't get much plainer than this. But for those bible challenged folks here's another translations:

7Do not be deceived and deluded and misled; God will not allow Himself to be sneered at (scorned, disdained, or mocked by mere pretensions or professions, or by His precepts being set aside.) [He inevitably deludes himself who attempts to delude God.] For whatever a man sows, that and that only is what he will reap.

This morning, I had the opportunity to hear a WORD and what stuck in my mind was "half-obediance is just as bad as disobediance". Imagine that. You see with God, it is all or nothing. So, you think you are ammune to deception. I would like to say I was ammune but sadly, I am not but I continue to pray to have my eyes open. So what is the deception...

Deception - You might think you are living good but as long as others are suffering...we are all suffering. I think about the poor and think about how we waste so much in this nation. We waste so many things...food, time, resources. We think cause our bills are paid and we can waste money at the buffet, everything is good. "God has blessed me" is what we say (some of us anyway). But guess what, God may be blessing but is He pleased? If you are not sowing into someone's life out of what God has given you, whenever you fall on hard times, don't get upset when others turn away. Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.

Deception - Famous folks will die but that don't mean they are in heaven. First let me say, why do we get shocked when famous folks die? It doesn't matter who you are, the WORD says:

2nd Corithians 5:10 - 10- For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

I watch these funerals and at those speaking all saying, I know this person is in heaven looking down on us...blah blah blah. And this may very well be true, if they knew Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Don't be decieved...if they didn't know Jesus personally, they aren't looking down at nobody from heaven...No matter how famous they were. We gotta go into 2007 without this fantasy world mentality. We all bleed red blood, we all will die and we all must account to God what we did with our time on earth. Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.

Deception - Garbage In and Garbage Out. You can't expect the children to grow up to be decent, productive, moral human beings as long as we feed them garbage. Garbage in music, garbage on tv, garbage on the internet. Nowadays, kids are like little sponges. They soak up everything they see and internalize it until it becomes apart of them. We take for granted that they will eventually figure out right from wrong and turn into perfect little people. Have you taken a careful look at young people today? Have you seen an improvement? Wonder why. We let them fend for themselves without guidance or hope. We have got to invest in one another and that begins with the children. We have got to teach them and not just we want them to know but what God would have them to know. Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.

Deception - America is not going to prosper as long as we live like Babylonians. God bless America...that is the song we sing. My question is "why should He?" What exactly have we done to deserve any blessings from God? We are too afraid to pray at work or say "Merry Christmas!" We are so politically correct...but God is not moved by politcally correctness...He said the "truth is the light". Americans need to stop lying to themselves. Think about how folks are all over the internet trying to see Saddam's hanging. No doubt, rejoicing! First of all, I don't want to see a hanging. Even seeing him with that noose made me think of slavery and all the innocent Africans who died with a noose around their neck cause they didn't want to work for FREE. Second, we should be saddened that this man died without repentance for anything he had done. Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.

Deception - Just because we don't acknowledge God doesn't mean He ain't there. What was really bugging me over the holidays is all this "Happy Holidays" controversy. Every year it is the same thing. People...puhleeze!!! First off, Jesus didn't ask for a birthday party. But since we have chosen to celebrate, let's celebrate Jesus. I bet alot of people hollering about I wanna say Merry Christmas don't even believe in Jesus. Christmas is a holiday in honor of the birth of Jesus so I find it curious that the world loves to celebrate Christmas. I mean if it is about gift giving, find another day and call it "Gift - Giving Day"! Then Santa can come and everything.

But let's be clear, God is always God. You can deny Him, reject Him...take Him off the pledge of alligence, take Him off the money. He is still "I AM". And as long as He is in the hearts of His people, He is there. That is the bottom line. Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.

HAPPY NEW YEAR, BLOG READERS! Thanks for being with me throughout 2006. I hope to have you all with me in 2007. I believe things are gonna be very interesting!

My Last Good Nerve!

2006-11-28T15:10:00.000-05:00

I wish I had enough time to write a blog everytime I had something on my mind. But there is just not enough hours in the day. Well since the last time we were together, so much has been going on. I tell you folks the truth, I got one good nerve left and it is being plucked at on a daily basis. Now I don't mean your everyday stuff, like being cut off in traffic, although that does tend to be a nerve plucker...I am talking about things on a much bigger scale here. Oh yeah and I am gonna tell you about it because maybe these things have been plucking at your nerves too. So rather than keep you in suspense...I will share these things with you.

Nerve Plucker #6. Guess what yall? Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes got married! How could you not know this? I am so tired of hearing about them. Now it is not their fault but the tv puts this stuff in your face. Like the lady on ET said "The world wants to know what Katie's dress looked like." No the world doesn't. I bet there are some dying men and women in Darfar, who could give a rat's fat hat about Katie's dress. I can think of one Easterbaby who really didn't care either. Oh and what really got on my nerves...the TV guide channel. Now I love watching the TV guide channel, you know to see what is coming on tv. But every since that wedding, they are playing this TWO HOUR SPECIAL repeat about Tom and Katie. And then they follow up the TWO HOUR SPECIAL with a Tom Cruise Special. I can't even enjoy the scrolling TV list. So now I just have to flip until I see something interesting. Gimme a break!

Nerve Plucker #5. How do you spell IDIOT? I think it is spelled O.J. as in O.J. Simpson. Now I can't say whether or not he did it, cause I wasn't there but I can say that he is one of the most ridiculous people on the planet. And the people who helped him write this hypothetical book are about as idiotic as he is. I mean, does he not care about his children's feelings at all? Since he is trying to convince us he knows HOW to kill people without actually doing it, why don't we send him to IRAQ and let some poor tired soldier come home to kids he cares about.

Nerve Plucker #4. How dumb are these internet child predators? First off, how dumb do you have to be to drive hours to someone's house in hope of scoring with a child. The child says "the doors open, come on in?" And you go in. And then some of these guys, say "I have seen this program on TV". But yet you still go through with it? What is wrong with this? And as much as I enjoy seeing these guys go down, I am still trying to figure out why Mark Foley wasn't arrested. I mean he did the exact same thing as these low lifes on TV but they get jail and he gets rehab. Can we say double standard? If you have money and power, you get to use a childhood trama or alcohol to excuse wrong behavior. I bet 75% of those other guys had drug, alcohol, etc problems but they still went to jail.

Nerve Plucker #3. Rosie ODonnell plucks my nerves. Did yall see her little tiff with Kelly Ripa? Clay Aiken put his hands over Kelly's mouth and she told Clay Aiken not to do that cause she didn't know where his hands had been. So Rosie "Needs Jesus" ODonnell accused Kelly of making a homophobic remark. HELLO, who wants somebody to put their hands over their mouths. And Clay never told anybody he played for the other team...yeah I know, what you are thinking. But truth be told...he never said it...so we have to say he is innocent until proven guilty. Anyway, Rosie also said that radical Christians are no better than terriorists...WHAT?! What is a radical Christian? And furthermore, if you are a terrorist, you aren't a Christian. How does that saying go..."everybody talkin' bout heaven ain't going there!"

Nerve Plucker #2. Raise your hand if your didn't see the Michael Richards video. Ok, let me first say I was not suprised at what he said but I am surprised that he said it OUT LOUD in PUBLIC! But what did it for me was this statement on David Letterman, "I am not a racist". Oh yeah? Michael, you are a racist. Now admit it and get help. And this whole "let me go see if Jesse Jackson can help me" was such garbage. First off, I love Jesse but Jesse doesn't speak for all black people and he can't tell me and no other African American how to feel. If Jesse said, "Sherry, you know Michael is not a racist", I'd say, "Rev. Jackson, yes he is" and then me and the Reverend would share some WORD. Cause I would pull out this verse from Luke...

Luke 6:45
45The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.

Nerve Plucker #1. This war, this government (all of 'em...I am multi-partisan in my nerve pluckedness) is plucking my nerves. Now they want to reinstate the draft. So if we are winning, then why do we need MORE soldiers? If we are winning, why was Donald Rumsfield fired? I mean that is like the Colts firing Tony Dungy. It would make no sense. I don't buy any of it. And if I have to hear Condi lie one more time...she really plucks my nerves. She had the NERVE to say in her interview with Essence magazine, that people should be punished for talking bad about GWB. WHAT?! I bet Babs Bush talks bad about GWB every now and then. They are husband and wife after all.

Thanks blog readers for indulging me. My poor nerve. Ain't no telling what will be left by the time I write the December blog..but I will hang in there if you will!

Salute to the Baby Trumps!

2006-10-22T17:39:00.000-04:00

As promised, I said I would dedicate a blog to those movers and shakers, the folks out there doing their thang trying to earn their own money. Yep those entrepreneurs or "Baby Trumps". Folks who I am glad to consider friends. Which means, (eh-hem) when yall get rich, "Hook a Sista UUUUUUUUUUP!!!"

Anyway, If you are led to patronize any of these people, by all means do so. And share the information with others. You never know when your good deed will come back to you.

So follow me as we travel through THE EASTERBABY MARKETPLACE.

1 - Kathy Smith - Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Our first stop is at the site of a Non-profit organization. Yes, before you spend all your money let's give a little to those who need it. Kathy Smith is dedicated to fighting cancer. She has given unselfishly of her time and money to participate in countless marathons to raise money in honor of her father who lost this battle. And for the money some of yall spend on some of that Starbucks coffee...how about donating to a worthy cause. Go to her website and read her story and donate. You'll feel better than that coffee makes you feel.

http://www.active.com/donate/tntwnc/tntwncKSmith4

2.Keith Lee Johnson author of PRETENSES, Sugar & Spice, Little Black Girl Lost, and Fate's Redemption

Next stop is at the bookstore. Yep...we all know reading is fundamental. So turn off the idiot box (yall know, the television), and pick up a book. If you like heartstopping suspense, lies, murder, and mayhem, you will enjoy reading Keith's books. And I would like to thank Keith for letting me have a little hand in editing FATE'S REDEMPTION. (Oh don't act like yall didn't know the Easterbaby was multi-talented.) Anyway, the experience was priceless. So in return, I am making sure yall know about Keith Lee Johnson. And when one of his books becomes a movie, look for yours truly on the Red Carpet.

www.keithleejohnson.com

3. Belinda Preacher - BB BEATS
Let's go by the virtual music store and pick up some tunes. For the music lovers out there who love to download, here is your one stop shop to satisfy all your music needs from Belinda, a lady who loves and knows music. But she wrote a little bit about her store so I'll let you read it.

www.burnlounge.com/bbbeats is an online music store where currently you can download tracks (.99) or albums (starting as low as 7.98). For instance, Beyonce's latest album is available for 9.99 - that's 13 tracks for 9.99 - I know Walmart has it for 11.98. You need Windows Media Player 9.0 to view the site and this download is available for free. You can share up to 10 albums with your family and friends.

So burn songs to your computer and then burn them to a cd - that's a lot cheaper than buying the entire cd in the store. Not to mention, the artists get paid for the music they produce.

Justin Timberlake, Shaq, and MC Lyte to name a few are artists that market their own material on Burnlounge so they keep a greater portion of the money for the art they produce.

Coming soon - version 2.0 which enables movies and ringtones to be downloaded to your computers!

Contact information:
www.burnlounge.com/bbbeats
www.burnlounge.com
bbmotobb@yahoo.com

4. Een Mayer Young, Mary Kay Independent Consultant
I can give personal testimony to Een because she is my Mary Kay rep. She is knowledgeable about all her MK products and I have no doubt that one day, we will go riding in her PINK Mary Kay cadillac. So far, I couldn't have asked for a better person to do business with. She sends out the products right away when I order them. So if you are looking to get a new look, go to her website and let her fix you up. Yes, they have MALE products too! Men don't try and fool us, we know yall care about how you look. ;o)

www.marykay.com/ms_een

5. Eraina Tinnin, Escentially Eraina
While we are in the mood of improving our looks, we may as well improve our surroundings. Let's go in Escentially Eraina and pick up a few things. Ever wonder how some folks juggle things. Eraina should write a book. She is an entrepreneur, full-time employee, a wife, a mom of two, a sunday school teacher, and my book club president! WHEW! Anyway, Eraina wrote alittle about her business.

eSCENTially eraina is a company that was created with you in mind. We offer handcrafted bath, body and home products at affordable prices. Since products are handcrafted at the time of order you never have to worry about receiving merchandise that has been sitting on a warehouse shelf.

Check us out: www.escentiallyeraina.com

6. Michon McCorkle - Real Estate
Okay, I know I called everyone Baby Trumps, but Michon is probably the real Baby Trump of this group considering, her business is real estate like the Donald Trump-ster. Michon is ready to sell you a house, and not just any house, but the house you have wanted all your life. So contact Michon and knowing Michon like I do, she will take good care of you.

http://www.melccor-realty.com/
melccor@bellsouth.net

Michon McCorkle-Broker/Owner
1.866.548.8048
Real Estate Sales & Property Management Services

6. Gregory Young - PanaGold Entertainment
To the man responsible for all this free advertisement. Greg, I hope that this small shout out to your business brings you lots of revenue so you can pay all your employees, especially those marketing folks :o) Anyway we are back at the music store. On your way home, how about pick up a CD by Gregory Young. He was so kind enough to create his own display for my blog so you can check out his music, however, the blog is experiencing some difficulties with the display. But go to his website and check things out for yourself.

At PanaGold Entertainment , we are in our sixth year of operation as a wholly independent, artist owned and operated record label and music publishing company. If you haven't already, please experience the smooth soul/jazz of "Essential", our premier release and the debut CD from Gregory Alan, a multi-talented singer-songwriter, and producer. Listen to samples at www.PanaGold.com !

"There's one word that best describes his music... smooth. And there's one word to describe the way it makes you feel... soothed."

Available at www.PanaGold.com !
At PanaGold Entertainment, we measure success, not by gold, but by the golden rule!

Well, I hope you are satisfied with your purchases. If and when you purchase something, be sure and tell them The Easterbaby sent ya! And for all yall with businesses who didn't send me any info, sorry you missed your chance for some FREE publicity.

Welcome to Babylon

2006-09-13T21:59:00.000-04:00

As I was driving home from school in the rain, I began to think. And the more I thought the harder it rained and the more it rained, the harder I thought. Until finally, I had to stop thinking and pray to God to get me home safely so I could write this blog, Seriously. My sole purpose for surviving was so I could write alittle something for my blog readers ;o).

Anyway, earlier today I had the chance to view some online footage, which I shared with most of you, about the 9/11 events. Having watched these two documentaries, it got me thinking. Now this blog is not about whether I believe them or not. I will say that nothing surprises me and a few unanswered questions that I had about that day were brought up in those videos. Of course, IF these accounts are anywhere close to being accurate, all I can say is that those responsible are about as close to evil as you will get aside from meeting Satan himself.

So if I am not going to give you my take on the 911 conspiracy theories, then what am I going to say? Glad you asked. You see I was thinking that these videos were the result of some folks who apparently have lost faith in their government. No doubt some people will watch these videos and their lives will get turned upside down. Could the government they loved so much really have betrayed them in such an uncomprehensible way? Of course I am not saying GWB and them are guilty of anything b/c it doesn't matter now because what is done is done. But for those who voted for him, you gotta admit even if not out loud, 2 + 2 does not always equal 4 with this administration.

Of course GWB got alot of votes just because of his stance against same sex marriages. But I am thinking homosexual marriages or hetersexual marriages, none of it is gonna matter b/c we are all gonna be BLOWN UP! And don't get it twisted, this is not about being Republican or Democrat or whatever...personally I believe there is only one political party and it is called "Hidden Agenda". No matter which way you vote, know they are all in it for one reason - THE BENJAMINS! (For you less savvy folks, that means "money")

Anyway, so how does one make it without their government? How do you sleep when you can't trust those who claim to have your best interest at heart? Your protectors? Your providers?Well, I can't speak for anybody else but I know where my help comes from and it ain't GWB, Dick "the Quick" Chaney, Condi Rice, John Kerry, Hillary or Bill, none of those republicans nor those democrats. Last time I check, which was tonight as I was driving in the rain, the Sovereign God was taking care of me. And my friends when you know WHO really holds your future, you don't worry about bombs, wars, homeland security or social security. I go to sleep every night and I wake up knowing that whatever happens to me during the day was by God's will. And since I know what He promised me, I am not worried about how or why 911 happened or if it will happen again.

Putting faith in man is gonna lead a whole lot of folks to a place they don't wanna go. I have been let down by alot of people but God has yet to let me down. So being a quick study, I choose to put my faith in my God and not man/woman. And that allows me to get my beauty sleep. (Please keep all snide remarks to yourself). Now I know what some are thinking...why doesn't God put this corrupt governement in their place? Maybe it's because we, in our not-so infinite wisdom, decided we had to separate church and state. We decided God had no place in government and we wanted to be FREE to be who we wanted to be and FREE to practice anything we wanted to and FREE to live life as if nothing or nobody mattered but us. So God said "Ok, you Babylonian wanna-bes, do your thing." So there you have it, so as you worry about terrorism, are you feeling FREE? At what price is this freedom to live like a Babylonian?

Now the original Babylonians were on TOP of the WORLD for a while but God promised that once he had used them to settle a score, He'd bring them down. And if you think things can't get worse, live a little longer. 9/11 ten times over won't compare to the wrath of an angry and jealous God. Now don't get it twisted, God may get angry and jealous but don't you, after all we are made in His image. But God forgives, even if we don't...that is why He sent a Savior. Now should one of us have been in charge of the universe, like me for instance, a whole lot of people would be just like Lot's wife...POOF! SALT! No second chances, no escape route and certainly no Savior. Oh how I love Jesus!

With that said, put aside you disgust for the government, in fact, if you believe in the power of prayer, pray for this world and your government, especially GWB. Put your faith in God and get some sleep at night knowing, regardless of what is going on around you here in Babylon, everything will be alright.

Lessons from the Animal Kingdom

2006-08-14T13:07:00.000-04:00

A couple of weeks ago, I told some friends that I had a new reality show that I had begun to watch and they laughed at me. Not because, in general reality shows are garbage (except for maybe The Apprentice and American Idol), but because the reality show I was referring to, called "Meerkat Manor" was about a family of Meerkats. Oh I see, you think that is funny too. Well this is a cool little show so you should check it out. I have always loved animal shows. In fact watching shows about animals is far more interesting than shows about people AND believe it or not, animals tell us alot about how we as humans, the supposedly more superior creature, should live. Have you ever used the term, "dumb ol' animal"? In fact animals are not "dumb" at all, they just do what they do and that is survive.

I have learned a few things from animals, even the little Meerkats and I would like to share just a few things:

1 - Sisterhood! - If women would work together, we could achieve some things, like saving our children...did I hear somebody say "do our children need saving?" Uh...yeah they do. Anyway, let's talk about the lioness. When hunting needs to be done, the lioness does not go at it alone. She and her sisters tag team the hunting. They work together to feed the little baby lions. They help take care of each others cubs. They even keep each others cubs in line. Even elephants will nurse another baby elephant if that baby's mother dies.

Heaven forbid, somebody says something to your child in chastisement. It's on! Nowadays, working together to bring up baby is difficult b/c everyone has different views on what is best. For the lioness, if the babies spend more time playing than learning, they will not survive. If the orphan elephant is not adopted, it will die. If we don't learn to care about all children not just our own, the generation coming along is going to die, not just physically, but spiritually and emotionally.

2 - Tough Love is okay! - Now I know I don't have any kids but I got a brain and I do know right from wrong. And I certainly know coddling and pampering when I see it. Some parents think letting kids make mistakes is child abuse. So how is this for child abuse...let's talk about the black bear. Believe it or not, black bears have predators, such a pack of wolves. Now normally if a wolf is gonna attack, he isn't going for the mama, it is much easier to go after the cub. So what does mama do? Now don't get mama wrong, she will fight that pack to the death but the cubs have got to be out of harms way. So at a young age, she teaches them how to climb trees. So what's so tough about that?

Imagine making your kids climb trees that are much higher than they really ought to be climbing. In fact, one slip and the little cub is a goner and all mama can do is watch and wait to see if her litte one will go up and come down safely or plumment to its death. Now the cubs don't really want to do this tree climbing lesson, they'd rather play but she makes them climb that tree on their own anyway. There is no time for whining and tantrums are useless. When the time comes, and the wolves are circling, the baby cubs climb the trees like little pros out of harms way. Mama bear knows best.

Imagine how much more prepared our children would be for life's obsticles if we were like that mama bear...

3 - Don't mess with Jr! - Another thing a mama bear will do is fight an overgrown male bear which is twice her size if he comes too close to her cubs. Oh yeah, male bears don't really care about cubs, in fact, they would like to have the cubs for dinner. But mama ain't having it. She might be smaller but she would rather die than let a male bear harm her baby. And the cool thing is, most of the time, the male bear usually backs down cause an angry mama bear is no joke.

Now look at today, you see on Dr. Phil and Oprah or you know children that were victims while Mom sat back and did nothing. That my friends is not natural! The male bear can represent many things, molestation, abuse, drugs, violence, TV, music...anything that threatens to harm a child. It just so happens, bear cubs have fewer things to worry about, either way, mama bear knows how to protect them. How much smarter and fiercer are human mamas? Come on Mom, fight that male bear who is after your cub. If God put that protective instinct in a bear, you know you got what it takes to save your child. Don't give up!

4 - Long live the King! I love to watch any show with the BIG Cats! I was watching one about the lions. As stated before females do the hunting and tend to the babies. In fact, the female lioness, will hunt all day and bring home a kill and guess who comes along and gets first servings? Yep the king of the jungle. At first, I was like, so who does the lion think he is? He sleeps all day and then eats the kill after having done none of the work. So I am thinking, this is no king, this is a bum! But I soon learned why the Lion is the king. You see, the lion doesn't eat all the food, he leaves some for his family. But scavengers, like hyenas, want it all. And hyenas don't travel alone, they come in gangs. Unlike human hunting, real lioness hunters expend alot of energy hunting, so they are not really up for fighting hyenas over food. Besides, hunting and fighting do not require the same skills.

But the KING is ready. He is no hunter but he is a fighter. There is no animal in the jungle who can beat a fully grown male lion in a fight, not one! (And that is not including elephants because elephants and lions don't fight! Lions aren't dummies either) Anyway, a male lion is the Protector of the Pride. That is his job. He will go to battle for everyone in the pride against any animals including other lion prides. So the king isn't lazy like I thought, he just has different priorities. Sometimes the lionesses get alittle ticked off but they know who keeps them safe.

So imagine a world of men who knew their priorites. Protecting their families no matter what. So many single family homes where the women are the hunters and the fighters. Different set of skills needed which is probably why it is hard to do both. Not saying it can't be done, it is just harder. Men have got to stop leaving women to do the job of the lion. Who would protect the pride if the little male lion cubs never had the big males to watch and learn from? It is not the lionesses who teach them how to fight, hunt maybe but not fight. The pride would be in serious trouble. Are you all following where I am going? Good.

5 - For the Good of the Family! Let's talk about the little meerkats. Whatever happens in a meerkat clan, it is all for the good of the family. If it doesn't add to the well being of the family, it is cut off. Meerkats are little guys with no major way of protecting themselves other than vigilance and cooperation. Meaning searching for food is a dangerous task if no one is keeping watch. Now in the world of meerkats, there is a leader and the leader is a female. She is the breeder and directs the little clan in attempts to keep them safe. If any of the others, in particular a female usually her offspring, steps out of line, she is banished and not accepted back into the clan. Life as a lone meerkat is lonely and dangerous. But interuptions in the family way of doing things can be costly so there is no room for rebellion. It is a matter of life or death. Although, sometimes a repentent meerkat is accepted back into the clan. But she must submit to the leader. Only then can she experience the safety of the family.

This piece of meerkat life makes me think of something alot deeper and on a more spiritual level.

John 15:1-2 1"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.

Like meerkats family, some of us will either be pruned or cut off by God. I think those who are willing to repent will be let back in the fold but the rebellious ones will eventually be cut off. In the world of a meerkat, a predator comes in all forms...owls from the sky, snakes from the ground. It takes the whole family to watch out and protect the babies as well as gather food. It is called survival. Rather than have one mess up the sanctity of the family, the rebels have to be cut off. For me, surviving is living under God's protection anything outside of that is rebellion - like a lonely meerkat trying to figure out how to keep watch and gather food. It's a hard tough life.

6 - Darwin never watched Animal Planet! Okay all you evolutionist, get mad and stay mad but I am here to say, Darwin didn't watch animal planet, therefore I say he got it all twisted. The main reason I watch animal shows because it confirms for me what a MIGHTY GOD I serve. Oh yeah, I hear testimonies all the time of things God has done for other people and I am like "Go God!", but after watching an animal show, I am always in AWE!

Each and every living creature has its own way of doing things and it own unique little means of survival. For example, there is a cricket like bug who can survive extreme cold...You know how? It freezes itself. Yep, it freezes itself so the cold weather doesn't harm it. Once the cold weather passes, it unthaws and goes about its business. It can stay in this mode for weeks. Can you freeze yourself? I didn't think so.

Each species of animal copes with life its own special way. Does it always work out? Not all the time, but that isn't even true for man. Anyway, the thought that all animals including man, came from one cell is borderline ridiculous and insane. Only an all wise, omnipotent God can create with such precision and accuracy each animal and their traits. What is funny to me is why it is so much easier to believe all these unique animals came from one cell than to believe a Great God took time to make each creature special. I don't know about you but I feel pretty special and it ain't cause I came from an ape!

Psalm 8
For the director of music. According to gittith.

1 O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.

2 Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.

3 When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;

4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?

5 For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.

6 Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:

7 All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field;

8 The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas.

9 O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!

Soap Writing 101

2006-07-17T12:29:00.000-04:00

In case you didn't know, I am and have been for a long time, a dedicated watcher of soap operas. Yes, this guilty pleasure began for me at the tender age of 4. And you ask, who lets a 4 year old watch soaps? Well, you have to address that question to the adults who were suppose to be looking after me. Anyway, so you don't get alarmed, after the soaps, I watched Sesame Street and Mr. Rogers like other kids. Thank God I was not subjected to that scary purple dinosaur Barney ;o). I am currently a one Soap watcher now, ALL MY CHILDREN, but I have watched just about all of them at some point in life from Young and the Restless, the Bold and Beautiful, Days of Our Lives, One Life to Live, Guiding Light...the list goes on. Oh yeah I watched the night soaps too...Dallas, Dynasty, etc...

Now most soap watchers know that you can go months maybe years without watching a particular soap and pick up right back up where you left off. It's that easy. With that in mind, I have decided I could probably write a soap. I say this with confidence because I can always predict where the story line is headed...is it that I am so intelligent or that the soaps are that predictable? I answer yes to both questions.

So, I know you all are wondering where I am going with this blog...I have decided that I am going to share with you how you too can write a successful soap opera. And I am going to do it FREE OF CHARGE. Now sure I may be the writer in this group but I believe there is some inner writer in all of you. So why not start with the soaps? Because with my 10 steps, it is that easy. Here is all you need to create your own soap*:

(*Recommendations, while based on over 30+ years of soap watching experience, can be trusted but guaranteed success is ultimately your responsibility...in other words, don't come trying to sue me if you get turned down.)

10 - Your characters need to be rich. I mean, how cool is a soap with poor people? Poor people have to work and we all know that soap characters do not work. Okay, they might show up at their office once a week but it is only when there is about to be a corporate take over. Otherwise, how could they get into all that mischief if they worked?

9 - You gotta have one old guy that is richer than all the other rich folks. Because he runs the largest business in town, or appears to since he is never at work. He is usually the villain and has about 200 ex wives but he is never broke because for some reason these guys are never sued for alimony. So you also need to create a very smart lawyer to handle his business.

8 - You gotta have a functional hospital. No soap opera can do without a local hospital. And usually the only folks who work on soaps are the doctors and nurses. You need a hospital to treat all the attempted murders, suicides, extremely critical operations that must take place. Now if you are sensitive and can't write this kind of stuff, get out now. No successful soap can survive without some violence usually committed by a psychotic female character.

7 - The town must be centrally located within the US so that your rich characters who all own private jets can fly to Europe or the Islands in a moments notice and return home in the same day if need be. These are no ordinary jets, my friends. I don't even think military jets can travel as fast as soap jets can. Also, the rich don't usually have limos, they drive themselves everywhere. This is done so you can easily incorporate a tragic car crash in somewhere. A car crash is not quite the same with a limo.

6 - You gotta have some adultery. Now this is another subject that is not for the sensitive. But the foundation of any soap revolves around some adulterous behavior. It is a must! And you gotta add some "baby mama drama". Yep somebody has got to be pregnant and not know who the daddy is until the baby gets sick and needs a blood transfusion. And then the real daddy must be revealed. Also feel free to add some baby switching, too. That usually works with the fans.

5 - All children must be able to grow from age 4 to age 15 or 16 in about 1 year. Now this takes some finesse. You gotta make the kid go to boarding school or live with a far away relative so when they come back, the fans won't know there was not enough time to pass for this child to be that age. Apparently kids between ages 5 and 14 don't make for good story lines. So keep this in mind when including young characters.

4 - Apparently black people don't make for good story lines either but you have to have at least one or two to keep the ACLU off your back. Now I have to admit the few that usually are on the soaps have pretty good jobs. They are lawyers, doctors, and oh yeah, if you have a chief of police, he is definitely a brotha. But they must never marry or have kids. They must stay single and always full of good advice. They are never really rich because they are usually working.

3 - Now if you got a police chief, you gotta have a police department with one detective who gets all the cases. You only need one. Your town, while full of crime, is never big enough to support more than one detective. Oh yeah, he will usually get shot a few times but you never kill him off. I mean, if you kill him off, who will solve the BIG ONE!!!

2 - THE BIG ONE. Now at least once a year you gotta be ready to write the big one. You know the one bad guy who has ticked off everybody and then BAM! Somebody kills him but you don't know who did it. Now make sure the murderer is some insignificant character who you can send to jail OR a main character who receives a last minute testimony in court which will get them off and they don't have to go to jail. Never send main characters, no matter how many crimes they commit, to jail.

1 - And if you are truly going to be a soap writing master, that bad guy who gets killed and everybody sees him die and goes to his funeral, will come back alive and well in about a year or two ready to enact revenge on everyone for killing him. This is no walk in the park writing, you have got to make the comeback believable, if not, your fans will know. But for goodness sake, don't make the whole thing a dream because (1) that has been done already and (2) it's a really stupid idea. Ask any former Dallas fans about how well this went over.

Now that you have the guidelines, you are ready to start your own soap. Who knows, one day I'll be recording your new soap everyday at 1:00 instead of All My Children! Happy Writing!

The Mark - Are you scared?

2006-06-05T22:27:00.000-04:00

Today I was driving and thinking about stuff as always...I thought to myself, that I am so glad I have a relationship with the Lord because with the world as it is today, it is the only thing in my life that completely makes any sense. Everything else just leaves me scratching my head. I just wonder how people without Jesus actually function. They are probably all confused and jacked up in the head. Seriously, these folks are most likely the ones going around worrying about tomorrow being June 6, 2006. Haven't you heard? The date will be 6-6-06. Ewwwww! Before you run and duck for cover with your bible in hand, let's talk about this thing...

Now the media, in all its dysfunctional wisdom, has hyped up this day as being a day representing 666 which is according to the book of Revelation the Mark of the Beast. And they are making this to be the most scariest evilest day EVER! At one point it was Jan. 1 2000, remember the hype about the world ending. I believe it can't get much scarier than 9-11-01. Anyway, there are women, postponing C-sections so their babies won't have this birthday. The movie "The Omen" comes out tomorrow. All these goofy rock groups are just clamoring away to release their albums in salute to satan. Yeah, there are people losing their minds because of a date! Can we all say "date" together. "DATE"! Thank you...moving on.

Now let's clear up one thing...Last time I checked 6-6-06 and 666 is not the same thing. Neither is 6/6/2006 or June 6, 2006. No matter how you write, this is not the same. So why is everybody tripping? I don't have a definite answer but I bet they probably haven't even picked up a bible much less read the book of Revelation. But since I have my handy website www.bible.com, I can provide you some of my own "revelation".

Revelation 13:11-18

The Beast out of the Earth
11Then I saw another beast, coming out of the earth. He had two horns like a lamb, but he spoke like a dragon. 12He exercised all the authority of the first beast on his behalf, and made the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast, whose fatal wound had been healed. 13And he performed great and miraculous signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven to earth in full view of men. 14Because of the signs he was given power to do on behalf of the first beast, he deceived the inhabitants of the earth. He ordered them to set up an image in honor of the beast who was wounded by the sword and yet lived. 15He was given power to give breath to the image of the first beast, so that it could speak and cause all who refused to worship the image to be killed. 16He also forced everyone, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead, 17so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of his name.
18This calls for wisdom. If anyone has insight, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is man's number. His number is 666.

Now this is only a piece of the book. But get the whole picture you have to read everything to put stuff in context and that is what I did and I learned a couple of things:

1 - The beast in this passage is not satan. Nope, it's one of his boys. Satan is refered to a dragon in the book not a beast. This beast is also later called the "false prophet"and is one of the three in an alliance against God's kingdom. He appears to do good but is sent by satan to deceive. Seems to me this mark is a way to mark those blinded by his evil deception and it would seem that this is already happening.

2 - The 666 mark has many interpretations. The Word says it is the number of man. Not sure what that means. Others say it represents the lack of perfection. One interesting interpretaion is the it represents the evil Roman Emperor Nero whose names in Greek letters total 666. But make no mistake, this mark represents nothing Godly. Now is this an actual 666 or a metaphor for being on the wrong side, I am not sure.

Now does any of this make you scared to wake up in the morning? Not that you have a choice, either God will wake you up or He won't. Let me go on and explain why this mark is about as scary as the the Stay Puff Marshmellow monster in Ghostbusters...at least not for the believer.

1 - Satan and his buddies are only doing what they are allowed to do by God. God is in control. Don't believe me...let's see:

Revelation 17:17
17For God has put it into their hearts to accomplish his purpose by agreeing to give the beast their power to rule, until God's words are fulfilled.

2 - I also learned Armageddon is not a horrific "meteor hit the earth", "global warming diaster", "10 point earthquake event". Naw, Armageddon is a place, a battlefield to be exact. I know, I know, you need proof:

Revelation 16:12-16
12The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up to prepare the way for the kings from the East. 13Then I saw three evil spirits that looked like frogs; they came out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet. 14They are spirits of demons performing miraculous signs, and they go out to the kings of the whole world, to gather them for the battle on the great day of God Almighty.
15"Behold, I come like a thief! Blessed is he who stays awake and keeps his clothes with him, so that he may not go naked and be shamefully exposed."
16Then they gathered the kings together to the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.

3 - Satan, the beast, and beast 2 (false prophet - the one with the mark), will meet their doom. So all those who receive the mark are really siding with the "losers" which makes them "Losers". And we all know nobody wants to be called a "loser". But hey, that's the bottom line.

Revelation 20:7-10
Satan's Doom
7When the thousand years are over, Satan will be released from his prison 8and will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth—Gog and Magog—to gather them for battle. In number they are like the sand on the seashore. 9They marched across the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of God's people, the city he loves. But fire came down from heaven and devoured them. 10And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

Feeling any better? No. Still afraid of June 6, 2006. Don't be cause the only reason that date should cause you any anguish is if Jesus decided to come back tomorrow and your name is not is his book. Other than that you can rest easy. Remember no one knows the day nor the hour, you just gotta be ready. Oh yeah here is some more good news:

Revelation 21:1-7
The New Jerusalem
1Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
5He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true."
6He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life. 7He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son.

Do We Remember...

2006-05-26T18:41:00.000-04:00

Happy Memorial Day? Is that an appropriate phrase? Is anything about the way we celebrate Memorial Day appropriate? Let's see according to Wikipedia:

Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday that is observed on the last Monday of May (scheduled next for May 29th, 2006). It was formerly known as Decoration Day. This holiday commemorates U.S. men and women who died in military service for their country.

Now where in that definition does it say "have a cookout", "go to the beach", or "spend 2 million dollars at an amusement park". (I just happen to have had the opportunity to just attend an amusement park and it is about 3 million dollars.) But these are the activities we associate with Memorial Day. You never hear anybody say they are going to do any remembering. But this would be sort of a downer, huh? To actually stop and think about the military dead. Well, I am using my May blog to remember the military dead. Why? Because it's Memorial weekend and I am going to remember and two...I don't have any cookouts to attend, can't afford to go to the beach, and I already spent 4 million dollars at Universal Studios and three...I have family who have been in the military and or are currently in the military and I want to THANK GOD they are not memorials. They are still here.

Now like any career, military service is a choice. A choice I couldn't make for a few reasons. In my mind, military people are quite unique and I would like to tell you why I think they should be remembered:

#5 - They apparently have no fear of dirt and dust. Now as a kid, I could kick up the dirt with the rest of the kids no matter how much trouble I'd get in. But as an adult, I like being clean and I like clean surroundings. And we aren't even going to talk about what dust does to my sinuses.

#4 - They are able to function on a minimal amount of sleep. Now back in the day, I could go a whole day on few hours of sleep. But these days, I need my 8 hours plus a nap every now and then. If I stay up really late, it takes me about 3 days to get back to normal.

#3 - Patience is a virtue. Military personnel must have lots of patience. Imagine being away from your family for months, maybe years not knowing when you will go home. Or having to wait for orders before you make any moves. Which brings me to my next point...

#2 - Military personnel are very disciplined and trusting. They carry out orders without question all the while trusting the fact that the person giving the orders knows what they are talking about. It takes a special person to trust like that and be that disciplined. Now I am neither disciplined nor trusting. I mean I can't even commit to a regular exercise program. And there is no way I could just take an order without asking a few probing questions. Let's just say I would probably be dis-honorably discharged.

#1 - And my number one reason I think military folks should be remembered is...They are fearless. Oh yeah, I mean beacons of COURAGE! You see, I have seen pictures of the GIANT spiders that live in the Iraqi desert. Those thing are the size of baby rats. Now most of yall know I don't like bugs the size of a period on a sheet of paper...now if a spider the size of a baby rat came at me, there ain't a 5 star general plus his army that could get me to do anything but scream or faint! Don't get me wrong, they are brave for making it through combat too! But dealing with the giant spiders and swarms of flies...makes them super men and women in my eyes alone!

So as you chow down on your ribs or rub on your suntan lotion or spend 6 million dollars at a theme park, stop for a minute and remember the men and women in uniform who have died or who continue to serve our country.

*This blog is dedicated to my cousin Carl (Pudgey), currently serving over in Iraq*

Happy Birthday to Me!

2006-04-10T22:10:00.000-04:00

This picture was taken at my 5th birthday. You can't see it but my cake was a big pink Easterbunny! An easterbunny for the easterbaby! From the looks of things, I have always enjoyed birthdays and 30 years later is no different. And to kick off my 35th birthday blog party, I decided to try a new look for the blog. I hope you like it!

Well Readers, April 11 is a CELEBRATION of the Lord's grace and mercy for 35 years of my life. In commemoration of my birthday, I would like for you to join me in a walk down memory lane of the last 35 years of my life with a few SHOUT OUTS! Over the years, I have had many people come in and out of my life. Now if you are reading this blog, it means you are not OUT but still IN my life. So don't get mad if you don't get a shout out cause obviously you are still important to me. No, this shout out is for those who I will no doubt never see again (and in some cases, that is a good thing.) We all know that people, no matter whether it is good or bad, have left their mark in our lives. From each interaction, there is always an opportunity to learn something. So here's a SHOUT OUT to some folks who in some way whether it be big or small helped make me who I am today. This may be a little long, but hang in there...it is a interesting trip.

Age 4 - Here is to the little boy in my day care who called me a "Bald Headed Kojak". Hey don't laugh. As you can see I was not bald headed - I just didn't have a lot of hair but I was still cute. Anyway, I guess I never got past it cause I am always so self-conscious about my hair (most of the time). Not sure where that kid is today but I hope he's bald! I really hated him for saying that and to make matters worse, he was my escort in our daycare pagent and in the picture that was suppose to be of he and I, somebody cut me off the picture and all you see is this mean name calling kid.

Age 8 - Here is to Ms. Duncan, my second grade teacher. She had red hair and freckles just like me. She used to make us write these sentences when we cut up in class. The sentence was "I like to write sentences." Funny huh? Anyway, I liked her because (1) her boyfriend was our mailman and he used to bring us candy to class every now and then and (2) she taught us these silly songs. But what I remember most is, being in a class with 3rd graders. You see Ms. Duncan had 2nd and 3rd graders in one class. And when she was teaching the 3rd graders, she didn't mind if we second graders listened in. Yeah, I was a nerd at an early age. So I'd like to thank her for kicking my education up a notch.

Age 12 - A big shout out to Mr. Yarborough, my 6th grade teacher, for without his meddling, I would not have known I couldn't see. Yep, he's the one who told my mom I may need my eyes checked. Because while my desk was located in the back of the class, I usually complained about not being able to see the blackboard. He also taught me that Vietnam Vets could be some scary people. On a good day, he may just throw an eraser or a piece of chalk at you. On a bad day, he may just tip your desk over or clear everything off his desk in one swoop of the arm. But no matter how mad he got, his winning point was that he loved recess. So even on a bad day, we had recess.

Age 13 - Here's to "Booky" Harvey. She was one of my best friends in the 7th grade and she just happen to be white. And this was significant because back then I thought those kinds of friendships only happened on tv or in books. Prior to that, I had white aquaintences but never one as close as me and Booky. One of the things I liked about Booky was not only was she a nice person, but she knew more about the opposite sex than I did. So while having a boyfriend was simply out of the question in my house at age 13, I could live my life vicariously through Booky because she had lots of boyfriends.

Age 15 - Here's to David T. My first real crush but this was a one way crush at least most of the time. What I learned from this was never make the first move. It was Christmas and some school club was selling carnations. White for "Friendship", Pink for "I'm interested" and Red for "I love you". Well, I didn't love him but I didn't just wanna be his friend so at the coercion of some friends, I decided to send him a pink one but being shy, I signed it anonymous. Well, he got the carnation and guess what? He gave it to someone else!!! Yeah my feelings were hurt and I vowed to never do anything like that again.

Age 18 - Here's to Corey from DC. He was me and my roommate's, 3rd roomie my freshman year in college. Everyday, he always came by after we got out of class with a 2 liter of soda and some chips to play Nintendo until the wee hours of the morning. He never studied and eventually left the spring semester but for that first semester Corey was our loyal friend. He didn't mind if we studied as long as he had his chips and 2 liter, he'd sit and play video games while we studied. But what I learned from Corey is that I am a good friend and cleaning up puke is not fun! One weekend night Corey came by the suite after having drank some Orange Mad Dog 20/20 (yeah I said Mad Dog, I am talking about college, okay?) Anyway, on Corey's way out, he left me and my suitemates a special gift all down the hall and in the bathroom. Let's just say, when I saw Corey the next day, I told him he better not EVER come back to our suite drunk again!

Age 21 - Here's to my play brother, Tim F. For my 21st birthday, he took me to the club since I was legal. Tim just happen to be one of my favorite people but he fell off the face of the earth after some of his friends abandoned him in Atlanta, GA during Freak-nik. After that, he left school and I nor any of his other friends ever heard from him again. Tim, where ever you are...I pray God's grace and mercy is with you! My fondest memory about Tim was his red chevette that had vinyl seats but he always thought it was "leather". I never had the heart to tell him that those seats weren't leather!

Age 23 - 26 - I have quite a few shout outs during this time. I was at a textile plant in a small town in NC working my first real job:

Here's to another missing play brother Terrell. (Am I bad luck or something?). Anyway, whenever I here the song "Ain't no stopping us now", I think of Terrell cause that was our theme song. I also pray that God continues to watch and keep you.
To John H. and Tommy B. Remember I said these shoutouts were from those I probably won't see again...well these two men I hope I never see again. These were my supervisors both sent straight from hell to make my life miserable. But as I said too, every interaction has a lesson. And I learned that I am alot tougher than I thought. So thanks guys for the test cause it gave me a testimony.
To Johnny E. - A big shout out for being my sounding board and friend when I was dealing with Satan's flunkies. I probably would have not have lasted as long as I did had it not been for Johnny. The two things I learned from Johnny was (1) there were actually people who did not wear shoes in the house because of germs and (2) his favorite saying "You can only trust God and your dog but even the dog will bite ya!"

Age 27 - A rest in peace to Dr. H. Pride. He gave me a place to stay in Charlotte during my co-op with Phillip Morris. He didn't know me from adam's house cat but he trusted his granddaughter and took a chance. And all I had to do was buy my food. Not many people today are so trustworthy to open up their homes to strangers.

Age 28 - Here's to Mary S. - My last semester of getting my thesis, I had no more funding and no money and I needed a job. Of course, nobody was looking to hire somebody fulltime for a semester. Nobody that is but Mary at Kelly Services. I am so glad she took a chance on me and gave me the job knowing I would be leaving.

Well between then and now, I pretty much still see most of the people I met along the way. But I am sure in the next 35 years I will meet some more folks who will indirectly affect my life. However, just so nobody's feelings are hurt:

HERE'S A BIG EASTERBABY SHOUT OUT TO ALL MY BLOG READERS! WITHOUT YOU, THERE WOULD BE NO NEED TO BLOG!

"Happy Birthday" by Stevie Wonder (The Easterbaby Remix)

"You know it doesn't make much sense, There ought to be a law against, Anyone who takes offense, At a day in MY celebration,

Cause we all know in our minds, That there ought to be a time, That we can set aside, To show just how much YALL love ME.

And I'm sure you would agree, It couldn't fit more perfectly, Than to have a world party on the day I came to be!

Happy birthday to Me! Happy birthday to Me! Happy birthday! Happy birthday to Me! Happy birthday to Me! Happy birthday!"

March Madness

2006-03-22T11:31:00.000-05:00

Oh yeah, it's that time of the year...March Madness time. For all you who don't follow NCAA basketball, it is the time of year when the best college basketball team is crowned. My team, the NC State Wolfpack, unfortunately lost in round two but I'm not sad. Wanna know why? Because SO DID THE TARHEELS!!! I will pull for anybody but those overrated bunch of pastel-blue wearing no real mascot LOSERS! Oh yeah I said it - exactly how does a TARHEEL equate to having a RAM for a mascot anyway? (btw - Go BlueDevils)

Okay, now that I have that out of the way and hopefully, I didn't lose some of my audience by dissing the tarheels...let's talk about March Madness. I mean real March Madness or maybe it's just MADNESS period.

1 - I am just so outdone by this teacher chick who had sex with a 14 year old and the charges were dropped. I mean, there is a big double standard here and it is blinding!!! There are men being charged left and right for having sex with minors (I believe it is called RAPE) and doing some serious time. But this attractive, young, female teacher does it and it is called "having sex" and not "rape" and she is on the tv talking about she is in therapy and she is going to school to be a jounalist. There is no trial to avoid adding any stress to the victim. WHAT?! Does this not sound like madness? Excuse me, I need to go HURL!

2 - Okay I'm back. Now you can't talk about madness without talking about this war and our president, GWB. Bless his heart. Now there is civil war in IRAQ. Looks like the USA really is handling things over there, huh? But I still can't correlate this war and fighting terror and 911...I am so confused. Bin Laden is still loose, Saddam is giving the court system pure "h-e-double hockey sticks". How many criminals get to actually run the courtroom like he does? He's got the judges so frustrated, they quit every other day. People are acting the fool everyday over there, strapping on bombs. Madness!!! Soldiers, hang in there! I am praying for ya!

3 - TV is madness! I am not sure what I can watch anymore. I mean there is so much garbage on tv, I need a landfield in the backyard. And how about Issac Hayes mad about the depiction of scientology so he quits the South Park show as the voice for "Chef". He claims he is against how the show depicts religion. Now if you have ever seen South Park, it is a blasphemous- everybody-involved-with-it-is-going-to-hell show if I ever seen one. I mean they had an episode with a AK-47 toting Jesus looking to blow up some folks. And about 3 year later, ol' Issac has a problem. Exactly what is Scientology anyway? If Issac and Tom (Cruise, that is) can be outspoken about their religions, where are the Hollywood Christians? Collecting paychecks, I guess. If they ain't gonna speak out, then I hope they are at least paying their tithes and offerings! Madness!

4 - The weather is completely out of control. A couple of weeks ago when it was still winter it was about 80 degrees in NC. Then on the first day of Spring, it sleets! Today I am freezing! I tell you, we are messing up our atmosphere and regardless of how many planets you can count, we can't survive but on one. So when this one is messed up, I believe that's it. Now of course, the bible speaks of all these weather changes. The end times is near and you wanna talk about madness, if you ain't going back with Jesus...boy oh boy!

5 - Does anybody care about what is happening in the motherland? Aids, famine, genocide...the stories are horrible. What I can't figure out, is why the GREAT and MIGHTY rescue the world - USA has not made helping the African nations a priority. Is one life more valuable than another? I mean, how can freeing the oppressed people of Iraq (who don't really want our help) have any more priority than the oppressed people in Sudan? Racism is Madness!

6 - True madness is having mardi gras celebrations when your city still has people without homes, power, or anything. How can anyone think to get on a plane or in a car and travel there to get drunk and party but you didn't go down there when people needed a helping hand during Katrina. Now I am certainly not discounting any person who went to help rescue or support the victims of the hurricane, HOWEVER, I can safely bet that quite a few of the people who went to Mardi Gras probably weren't Red Cross volunteers or pulling dead bodies out of destroyed homes. Oh yeah, the word on the street was New Orleans needed mardi gras to lift the residents' spirits. Okay, let me just say if Winston Salem is destroyed by a hurricane or anything of that nature and I am left with absolutely nothing and you want to lift my spirits...don't throw me a party! Help me get on my feet...can I get a job or some food or some place to live? Can I just have my basic needs met? That's all I am saying. That is just utter and complete MADNESS!

I think the writers of the classic movie, "It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World" need to do a re-make. Let me go send this idea to Hollywood...catch yall next month.

OH and by the way, next month is extra special...a certain EASTERBABY is having a birthday. I think I may have a party on my blog. Stay tuned for more details.

We're still Munchin'

2006-02-14T09:22:00.000-05:00

Today is Valentine's Day and I am sure alot of you will be getting your fill of chocolate. And while it may taste good, just don't eat to much because you don't want to get sick. Right? Don't we get sick when we over indulge in too much food. I know I do. If this be the case, the why on earth are we still munching on that apple? What apple? Glad you asked. You know the one Adam and Eve chomped down on...the one ol' Satan gave them. That's the one.

Genesis 3:1-4
1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?"
2 The woman said to the serpent, "We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 3 but God did say, 'You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.' "
4 "You will not surely die," the serpent said to the woman. 5 "For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."

Don't think because this happened a long time ago that the disobedience stopped in the garden. Oh no...we are still taking bites of that apple with our bad decisions and Satan is tap dancing a little jig each time we do because he knows the consequences of our actions. You see the serpent was more crafty than all the rest of the wild animals the Lord God made.

What we need to realize is that for every decision, there are always consequences good ones and the bad ones. Whether or not we had good intentions or bad ones, there are always consequences. The very first decision ever made (to eat or not to eat) had everlasting consequences. But it is no different with us. Our decisions will have long lasting consequences.

We choose to lie knowing the truth eventually comes out...and then wonder why we have no credibilty...and then say "People just don't understand me" (Munch Munch...Tap Tap).

We choose to hold on to hate and wonder why we never have any peace. We say stuff like "I am just not meant to be happy". (Munch Munch...Tap Tap)

We refuse to forgive others but say "Lord please forgive me of the millions of things I do wrong" and when we don't get an immediate response...we say "God doesn't hear me" (Munch Munch...Tap Tap)

We choose not to pay our debts but ask for God to bless us with this and that but when it don't happen right away, we say stuff like "it's just not my season" (Munch Munch...Tap Tap)

We choose to make bad relationship decisions, most of which are outside of God's will, all the while praying to God for a soulmate but wonder why it all goes to hell within a matter of months. We justify it by saying "The devil just wants me to be lonely." (Munch Munch...Tap Tap)

We choose to abuse our bodies with bad food, drugs, etc... and then we have to take all this medicince but all along telling folks "My God is a healer." (Munch Munch...Tap Tap)

Why should we expect to receive any more than we give? And then blame God for our bad decisions. Or we beg Him to get us out of the mess we made. Or we sit in denial of the mess and carry on like nothing is wrong. We are munchin' and the devil is tappin'!!! You see the serpent was more crafty than all the rest of the wild animals the Lord God made.

Ignorance is no longer an excuse to do wrong because once the apple was bitten we learned right from wrong. So where does that leave us? Lost in the sauce? I don't agree with that because God made provisions but some have decided to ignore His provisions (Munch Munch Munch...Tap Tap Tap).

You see the serpent was more crafty than all the rest of the wild animals the Lord God made. Don't let Satan tap dance in your life by convincing you to make bad decisions which will have everlasting consequences. I don't know about you but after a while that ol' apple doesn't taste as good as it once did.

That's Amore!!!

2006-02-08T20:45:00.000-05:00

In case you didn't know, next week is Valentine's Day...The day of love or as I like to think of it as the Day after Thanksgiving for Card and Flower shops. Of course, this day has sparked in me a brand new set of reflections that I would like to share with you all, my dear readers.

The bible is filled many notable verses that for some reason or another resinate louder in the hearts of man (woman) than others. I like to think it is because there is so much truth in them that you can't help but take notice. For me, there are 3 verses which prove themselves to be true and powerful. And when thinking about the L-word, I find them even more powerful.

They are (NIV):
1. John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

2. 1 Timothy 6:10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

3.Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.

Number 3 - Now I know someone is saying "But Brain, the word love is not mentioned in the third verse..." To which I reply "Good observation Pinky, I am quite aware of that." But you know I am going to tie love in that verse so in order to remove the suspense I will start with the last one first.

Do not be decieved my friends! We are all reaping what we sow. So what exactly are we sowing? Casualties of war...wayward children...hate crimes...crimes against children...corruption...perversion...the list could go on and on. But I am certainly not here to depress you. My only goal is to make you think. We are sowing some pretty pitiful stuff into this ONE life that we all get. Just ONE life to make a difference. Just ONE opportunity to do something meanful. Just ONE chance to make this time count for something. What are you sowing into your life? We sow garbage and expect flowers. We sow into our children bad habits and expect them to be angels. We sow into our lives an "its all about me" mentality and hope to reap respect and honor from our peers. We sow all the wrong things into the life field and expect wonderful things to happen. It is no wonder living in this world is like watching a bad B horror movie.

But if you are reading this blog, that means you are alive and God has granted you another day to get it right. Must be something about you! Something deep down worth sowing into somebody's life. AAAAAAHHHHH...the L-word. Yall knew that was coming. How about sowing some love and watch the harvest you get. I can't say I have ever seen anything bad happen when someone expressed REAL LOVE to their fellow man. Key word "REAL"...not the phony, cliche love but genuine love. Imagine if everyone sowed some love...all the bad things that we are watching today in the world would eventually disappear. But sadly, everyone is not going to do that. But if we commit to expressing some kind of love to someone who needs it...not your mama or your child or family, although they need it, that is too easy. I mean to someone who really needs it. I believe everything else will fall into place.

Number 2 - Other bible translations of this verse say the love of money is the root of ALL evil. However you look at it, I can say this is true either way. This verse popped into my brain after a question was posed to the radio audience of a local station. The DJ asked if we thought it was wrong for the gospel group Mary Mary to record a song with the rapper LL Cool J? And I was pondering this and thinking how whether it is right or wrong, nothing surprises me anymore. But then into my thoughts jump this verse..."For the love of money...blah blah blah..." For the record, I am not saying either of these performers are evil cause I don't know them. But I think what God was saying to me is that an extreme affection for the green stuff makes people do things they may not normally do like mix secular music with gospel music. What does the second part of the verse say: "Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs."

Think about it. (1) The War in Iraq, most of us know it is about the money but some of us won't admit it. If it was all about war on terror, Bin Laden's boys wouldn't be on tv telling GWB "I bet you don't know where I am" Come on! We can build a satelite which supposedly will travel 9 years and find the planet Pluto and we can't find a man in the desert. (2) Reality TV...why else does Flava Flav have a reality show about finding a girlfriend. For those of you who don't know who he is...he is a former member of the rap group Public Enemy. All who need further explanation may I sugget www.google.com. Anyway, if you do know who he is, you would agree how ridiculous this is. But to the movers and shakers in Hollywood, it is all about the dollars. Why else would people eat 1000 year old cheese on the show Fear Factor for the CHANCE at $50,000? BTW - where do you find 1000 year old cheese? All for the Benjamins! NC just got approved for the lottery. In the mist of all these layoffs and unemployment, you can best believe there will be some folks at the 7 Eleven buying lottery tickets. In the words of the Mighty OJays, "Money, money, money, Mon-Ney, Mon-Ney" Let's face if we don't soon stop worshiping the Money idol...we are going to reap what we sow.

Number 1 - No greater love. I believe I have a blog entitled this. Must be a reaccuring theme for me. There is no greater love folks than laying your life down for your friend. This is what Jesus told his disciples and then he backed up his words with actions. Now I am not suggesting for you to go physically die this minute to show your love for your buddies. But think about this passage from my favorite book in the bible:

Roman 6:8-14 8- Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 - For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. 10 - The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. 11 - In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. 12 - Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. 13 - Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. 14 - For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.

Dying with Christ because we love him and he's our friend. I hear a question "You mean I can do what Jesus did without the nails, the cross, the torture, and the pain?" YEP! Somebody is gonna have to meditate on this for a while. Since it is a reaccuring theme, I am sure this verse will come back on the blog scene. Of course there are always opportunities for us to die to selfishness and do something for some else. Die to the ordinary and do something extraordinary. Die to fear and stand up for what's right. Die to arrogance and spend some time with someone who doesn't run in your circle. Lots of things we can die to and put the needs of others first. But this ain't easy but I pray I can get better at dying to my own needs and wants and sowing life into someone else.

IN CONCLUSION - Remember this: "Love, exciting and new...Come aboard, we're expecting you...Love, life's sweetest reward...Let it flow, it floats back to you" Everybody knows the theme from the tv show THE LOVE BOAT. No doubt you've tried to sing it. But sing those few lines again (with feeling now) but think about the words and you may have a new impression of the L-WORD!

Happy Valentine's Day! Now go spread some Love! (((BIG HUGS)))

If you don't stand for something...

2006-01-11T15:06:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year Bloggers! So much has gone on since I last blogged. It seems so much crazy stuff happens so fast that when I think I want to blog on a subject, a new subject comes along and then I am in a torn on whether I should blog on my first thoughts or my new thoughts. Of course while all this is happening something else comes along and the process starts again.

Anyway, I finally narrowed it down for this blog. This blog is in response to a response to an email I sent out last week. I sent an email concerning the new NBC show "The Book of Daniel" about a priest, who has frequent chit-chats with an "in the flesh" Jesus, and his dysfunctional family. For those who didn't get it, basically some church folk are starting a petition to get this show banned. Some are opposed to the shows topics about premarital sex, drugs, addictions, sexual orientations, and any other controversial topic, I suppose.

Well, I have not nor probably won't watch the show for a few of reasons: 1) I don't really have time for much television. Once I finish watching my taped "All My Children" I usually go to bed. Aside from my favorite soap, I can only usually squeeze in a couple of other shows per school semester. In the Fall, I made time for ER and The Apprentice. This Spring semester, I will still make time for ER and of course, AMERICAN IDOL!!! (WHOOOO HOOOOO). Oh yeah and there is football. 2)When I saw the commericals, I was not real impressed. To add an additional show to my schedule, it has to peek my interest. 3) and what really did it for me, was the Jesus character. First off, this guy looks pretty creepy to me. And second off, who decides what Jesus is suppose to look like. Now this ain't about race...Is Jesus black or is he white? Personally, I think he probably looked more like the people we are over there declaring war on. But I have told many people this, I don't subscribe to any pictures of Jesus. I don't own any and probably won't ever buy any. Why? Here's why:

Exodus20:4 - 4 "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.

Deuteronmy 4: 15-19, 15 You saw no form of any kind the day the LORD spoke to you at Horeb out of the fire. Therefore watch yourselves very carefully, 16 so that you do not become corrupt and make for yourselves an idol, an image of any shape, whether formed like a man or a woman, 17 or like any animal on earth or any bird that flies in the air, 18 or like any creature that moves along the ground or any fish in the waters below. 19 And when you look up to the sky and see the sun, the moon and the stars—all the heavenly array—do not be enticed into bowing down to them and worshiping things the LORD your God has apportioned to all the nations under heaven.

I actually choose to find Jesus in everyone since we are made in his image. Which means he has a lot of looks. Okay, let's progress...

So that is how I feel about the new show, whether it is as bad as what these protestors are saying, I'll never know because I don't intend to watch the show. But a response I got to the email I sent made me think and I will share a piece with you to make you think as well:

Also, I must say, as you know, I get a little bothered by the Christians who hold up their bibles and tell us all how 'the Bible says this, and the Bible says that..." when it comes to homosexuality, but conveniently forget that it is not our place to judge, condemn, or ostracize each other. I think that if we are living our lives as Jesus has shown and instructed us to do, then we wouldn't worry about our unsaved friends and neighbors watching a TV program and forming skewed views of us as Christians. That's like saying all wives should be mad about how we are depicted in the TV drama 'Desperate Housewives'.

I don't know of any Christian who doesn't have an alcoholic, drug abuser, tax cheater, cable stealer, or homosexual in their immediate or extended family. Because, as Christians, aren't we supposed to all be brothers and sisters in Christ? So, why we would get so bent out of shape over a TV drama that depicts things that actually happen here on earth, escapes me.

After all, I thought that the Christian thing to do is to show others how to use our lives (the sinners that we all are) as an example of how messed up and human we are by nature but how we are redeemed and made clean in the blood.

Oh yeah this made me think...and when I was asked my opinion, I thought I better let the Holy Ghost help me out because I was like this person is right. However, I was also given an additional revelation.

Now ministers are humans and they have human family members. So sin is all around everyone, everyday. No one can claim a perfect, sinless family. If they do then they are what my mama would call a "bald-face lier", and Jesus says the devil is their daddy:

John8:44 You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

And it would be naive to take think these types of situations depicted in this can't touch your family. You can probably count already all the dysfunctional people you share the same blood with, truth be told, it might be YOU! Anyway, we love these folks and at best we can pray for them and live a life that sets a good example.

Now, we should not be surprised that the church is under attack. For John 15:18 - 23 says:

18"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. 20Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. 21They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me. 22If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now, however, they have no excuse for their sin. 23He who hates me hates my Father as well.

Does this mean we are suppose to sit back and take what the world dishes out. Oh no...As the saying goes, "if you don't stand for something"...yall know the rest. When the people turned the synagogue into a marketplace, did Jesus say oh well, they just don't like me or my church. Naw, he went in there turning over tables and cleaning house. When the Pharisees started talking junk, did Jesus set back and not respond. Nope, he always had a word for them and it's funny, his response usually started off with a few unflattering names. He called them names like "brood of vipers" and "snakes". Doesn't seem too passive to me but we always try and depict Jesus that way. (And there ain't nothing tough looking about that Jesus dude in the picture up above...like I said before "creepy")

So in my humble opinion, it is not a bad thing for Christians to take a stand against the world. In fact, I think we have to. Now with the tv show, the question is the motivation behind the stand. What becomes of it, I have no clue. But I believe we all have an assignment and perhaps, the leader of this NBC revolution felt this was theirs. I conclude by saying don't be afraid to take a stand just because you are a Christian. Of course, know why you are taking your stand and give the credit for the victory to the One it's due.

*This blog is dedicated to my dear friend "Tricky"... Thanks for keeping a sista on her toes!

Merry CHRISTmas - Part II

2005-12-21T21:16:00.000-05:00

As promised, I am back to add some more of my Christmas reflections. But before I do, let me assure you that my thoughts about how the world handles Christmas has in no way taken away my Christmas JOY! I guess because I am truly grateful for God's gift and no matter how much the world tries to distort, destroy, or demean the Christmas celebration, the significance is still there. But while I am very merry, I do find some things quite interesting and thought provoking. With that disclaimer out of the way, let's pick up where I left off.

5 - Cancelling Church on Christmas day - In case yall didn't know, Dec. 25 falls on a Sunday. Yep and there are churches all over who are cancelling service or having service on Christmas Eve. Now I am proud to say that my church will not be cancelling service. In fact, it doesn't matter what day Christmas falls on, we have a Christmas Day service in honor of Jesus. He is the reason, right? If this is correct, then what better way to celebrate than with a Sunday service. Kinda of like Easter in the Winter! But perhaps, the pastors of these churches, don't think folks will show up. Figure they will be home letting the kids open gifts brought by "Santa Claus". Nothing wrong with letting the kids open the gifts. But if Jesus is the reason, then perhaps the gifts can wait. Oh I hear ya...these kids don't want to wait until after church. They must open their presents right away. Well, if these kids are like me as a child, I was up at about 4:30 am or 5:00 am on Christmas day. I think there is plenty of time to open gifts and get ready for church.
But if attendance is the issue, then perhaps they should check out Matthew 18:19 -20. Jesus said:
19Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. 20For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

So if only the pastor and the first lady show up, then they can have church and celebrate Jesus' birth. Collection might be a little low but hey you can get'em on next Sunday!

6 - Mourning the Living! - Now this particular reflection has nothing to do with Christmas but more to do with our soldiers in Iraq or other war zones. This has been something I have wanted to write about but didn't have time. But since I have you attention, I figure now is as good as any time to share. What do I mean by mourning the living...let me 'splain. A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to speak with a young man about 23 who has just gotten home from Iraq. Pretty sharp kid and eventually I got around to asking him if he went to church. His answer was no, because he was an agnostic (believes there might be a higher power) borderline atheist (believes there is no God). Nope, I was not shocked or appalled and I didn't run and hide. What I did do was continue the conversation just to get a better understanding of where he was coming from.

What I learned from this young man, who told me prayer doesn't work, was that he felt life is what is and then you die. No point in hoping or praying about stuff. Imagine listening to a 23 year old talk like that. No hope, no light at the end of the tunnel. It was very sad. He equated fighting the war in Iraq and killing people to playing a video game. At least he said that is how he looked at it which makes it easier to kill without becoming emotionally involved. And then he added that they weren't really sure why they were there (contrary to what the Powers that be would have us to believe). These men and women are over there losing their souls because of duty not because they believe in the cause. And I pause to shake my head...

Yes, it is tragic that men and women are dying. But no amount of protests can bring them back. My concern is for those who survived like the young man I described who come back to the US with such a dismal outlook on life. And I am sure he is not the only one. These are young people (cause they don't want the old ones, Thank God!) over there and coming back changed forever. I am sure they see their friends and collegues dying, some of which probably prayed daily. Maybe that is why the young man doesn't think prayer works. As a frequent prayer and miracle recipient, I can assure you prayer does work...

The churches today are full of sermons about about being prosperous, living a good life, overcoming, etc...Oh no doubt we need this kind of talk in order to make it from day to day but I am not sure this is the kind of sermon that will help someone like the soldier I described. Who's going to be there for these soldiers when they come home hopeless and empty? It is just my personal opinion that we should be alittle less self-centered in our worship and more people-centered. God loves everyone not just those sitting in the pews on Sunday. And He charged us to be his foot soldiers here on earth to spread the good news.

I am not sure why the following scripture, in particular verse 22, came to mind as I typed this and I am not sure how it applies directly but perhaps if I think about what Jesus is saying, it will be more clear. Again I go to Matthew 8:18 - 22 (Matthew seems to be working for me lately...)

18When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the other side of the lake. 19Then a teacher of the law came to him and said, "Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go."
20Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head."
21Another disciple said to him, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father."
22But Jesus told him, "Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead."

Well I want to take the opportunity to say Merry Christmas! to all the troops in Iraq. They probably won't see this blog but I am putting it out there anyway. And as you, dear reader, celebrate with your family do not take that time for granted. If you are truly celebrating Christmas, say a little prayer for those who survive this war. Pray for their physical, emotional, and definitely spiritual health.

Merry CHRISTmas - Part I

2005-12-19T20:19:00.000-05:00

Well, it's Christmas time and (oh yeah I did say CHRISTMAS) and everyone is getting all jolly and decking the halls. Of course for me, this time of year is a time for reflection and as I reflect, I figure I may as well share my reflections with you all. And of course, my reflections are usually atypical but I suspect that you all know that by now.

So what's on the Easterbaby's mind during Christmas. Well several things so you may want to schedule a break. Just kidding! (or not)...

1 - Happy Holidays or Merry Christmas - Not sure how you feel about this but I choose to stick with Merry Christmas because as a Christian, it is the holiday I choose to celebrate. I am all for political correctness in certain situations but as an UNAPOLOGETIC Christian, I disregard all that political correctness stuff. Why? Am I rude? Nope. Now if I was strapping on bombs and blowing up people for my beliefs, then you might say I was rude. Am I going to get bent out of shape because people say Happy Holidays to me? Naw, my feeling is, that the whole controversy is another trick of the enemy to distract us from the real celebration. So I say Celebrate Christmas and be merry and don't worry about how the world sees you. Jesus says:

Matthew 10:22 All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.

So as long as you profess being a Christian, you will be hated and misunderstood anyway...Get used to it.

2 - The Nativity Scene - Yeah I had one and I put it up every Christmas. I had the African American version and at the time I got mine, these were rare so I thought I was really doing something when I bought it. Where is it now? I am not sure but I don't display it anymore. Don't get concerned...I still love Christmas and I still love black people but as I grow in my Christian walk, I have learned how misleading this little scene is. And as I often hear from one of my schoolmates and loyal blog reader, "if you are gonna do it, do it right".

First off - A few years ago, I learned after over 20+ years the wise men were not at the birth of Christ. Yeah I bet you are just as shocked as I was to realize this. I mean how many countless Christmas pageants had I been in and there they were with the gold, frankincense and myrrh. Well, I certainly would not lay something so heavy on you without the facts to back it up. So let's go to the book of Matthew (emphasis mine).

Matthew 2
The Visit of the Magi
1After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem
2 and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."
3When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.
4When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born.
5"In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written:
6" 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel."
7Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared.
8He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him."
9After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was.
10When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.
11On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.
12And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
16When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi.

So the Magi found the Christ child, noticed the bible says Child and not baby, in a house with just his mother. There is no mention of Joseph. Which means they didn't find him in a manger where both Joseph and Mary were. Also, according to the time the Magi told Herod, Jesus was at least a toddler why else would order the killing of boys 2 years and under. But the wise men aren't the only problem...

This past weekend, my aunt, Rev. Bell made some pretty profound statements about the birth of Jesus and I must say after listening to her and thinking about this navtivity scene...Hmmmmmm, I have a few more observations. For instance, I have never had a baby but I imagine that Mary wouldn't be looking so fresh as she does in these scenes. I mean, she just had a baby without pain killers on the floor of a stable. And as my aunt, Rev. Bell pointed out...the manger (which is a feeding trough) was probably not as clean as we like to think or show with the bright golden hay.

Another thing is, these scenes always show a little baby that looks about 3 or 4 months old with his eyes wide open and hands outstretched. Now I have seen many newborns and none of them look like the baby Jesus in the manger scenes.

So I guess you are wondering why I make a point to bring this all up. #1 - Contrary to what the world believes, being a Christian is not for the weak. Look at Mary and Joseph. She was unwed and pregnant with an unbelievable story as to how she got that way. Then she had to give birth in a stinky, stable. Joseph had to have faith that what Mary told him was true and marry her pregnant and then deliver the baby in the stable. I say, we would be hard pressed to find a man and woman who could handle this type of pressure. #2 - If we misrepresent the nativity without a thought, what else do we do as Christians that misrepresent God. I bet lots of things. Like I mentioned before, if you are gonna do it, do it right.

But don't get me wrong, just because I choose not to display my lovely nativity scene doesn't mean you can't display yours. It is a personal choice for me. And besides, this nativity issue is minor compared to what we have really done to Christmas.

3 - Here comes Santa Claus - Oh yeah I am going there! Now I know what yall are going to say...Sherry you don't have kids so you can't understand why I must let my child believe in Santa Claus. You are right, I don't understand. Sure, I was told there was a Santa Claus and I even got a few pictures with the jolly old dude. But that was my parents choice. When I do have children, there will be Christmas but there will be no Santa Claus. Why? Because if gifts are given, the children will know I bought them. That's right, give credit where credit is due. Also, when kids find out you lied about Santa, will they doubt your word as you try to explain to them about God or Jesus??? Are you following me on this? Now I was a pretty bright kid and I didn't associate finding out Santa wasn't real with there being no God. But the world was a pretty different place. Nowadays, our children need to know who God is more so than who Santa Claus isn't. I know it is cliche but JESUS is the REASON for the SEASON. Once again, you do what you have to do for your house and your children. One favor though, when I have a child, promise not to call child protective services on me okay?

4 - Are the needy only needy during Christmas? - Oh we go all out to prove to ourselves we are kind, caring people during Christmas with our "adopt-a-family" programs and "feed the hungry" campaigns. Who are we kidding? The other 364 days of the year, the needy still need US. I do share some guilt because I don't do all I should BUT I don't do anymore at Christmas than any other time of the year. When and if I am presented with an opportunity to help then I do it and that might be on June 25. What's my point? My point is, sure Christmas is a time for giving because God gave us the best gift. However, if we were really interested in showing God our appreciation, we would make a point to take care of those less fortunate more often than just during Christmas...

34"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.
35For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,
36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
37"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?
38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?
39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
41"Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
42For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.'
44"They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'
45"He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'
46"Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."

Well, I think I will end here and give you all a break. But I have more to say, as always, so I hope you can join me here real soon for more.

Until then Merry CHRISTmas!

Being Thankful

2005-11-23T01:20:00.000-05:00

Well Thanksgiving is two days away and there are plenty of things to be grateful for. I want to share with you a few things I am thankful for. But this is no ordinary list. I mean of course I am grateful from my family, friends, health, common sense, salvation, etc...that generally goes without saying. But I feel the need to tell you of some things I am thankful for that most people probably take for granted. So here we go:

1 - I am thankful for caffeine. Now I now somebody is saying caffeine is not good for you which is true but these past couple of weeks, caffeine in the form of tea and soda has been there for me. Oh yeah, I went the coffee route with a double shot of expresso one day. That really got me going. Hmmmmm...should coffee be legal?

2 - I am thankful for gift cards. With the holidays coming, the crowds are growing. I am so glad I can just pop into a store and buy a card and leave the other bewildered shoppers to eat my dust. Plus you don't have to pay tax on a gift card...what's not to love? Oh I can hear somebody say that's sooooo impersonal. Okay...when you receive your gift card this Christmas, please send it to me, I would hate for you to keep such an impersonal gift.

3 - I am thankful for drive through car washes. I hate for my car to be dirty but either because of time or laziness (I say time), I am not able to wash my car myself. Sure I sacrifice having all the bugs and dirt removed and the windows not being smeared, but what can give me a better warm fuzzy than being able to hand the car attendent a whole $1 after I have walked around the car a couple times inspecting and pointing to left over drops of water. The smile they give me is priceless.

4 - I am thankful VCRs are still cool. Don't get me wrong, I have a DVD player but it has the VCR on it and I am still able to record "All My Children". Streaks, lines, bad video...I get all that but nothing like being able to fast forward through commercials. An hour long show without commercials is 40 minutes. So in essence the VCR put an extra 20 minutes back in my life.

5 - I am thankful for "e-cards". Now if you can't see the benefit in this...something is wrong. How cool is it to send someone an animated card for just about any occassion without buying a stamp (BTW - e-cards are probably the reason the price of stamps are going to $0.39) But what can I say, e-cards are the way to go. But never fear, I still intend to send out my Christmas cards the old fashion way because it's what I do.

6 - I am thankful for automated change machines. Have you ever used one of these? Long gone are the days of getting those little paper coin rollers and putting one finger in the end so you can get the pennies to go in flat. This usually takes a few tries. But NO MORE! You take your change and dump it in the machine and it counts it and gives you a receipt. Well there is a catch. You pay like $0.08 on the dollar. But hey show me a convenience you don't pay for.

7 - I am thankful for alarm clocks on cellphones. If naps mean nothing to you then this ain't gonna mean much. But if you have to take naps, let's say at your desk at school and you want to be sure and wake up before your next class...just set your little alarm on your cellphone and WA-LA...Ring Ring Ring. You are up and outta there. Piece of advice, I would not try this on the job, napping can get you fired.

8 - I am thankful I am not a teenager in 2005! For one, is it me or are the young people today more funny looking? And whoever said each generation gets weaker and wiser is probably not alive today. Weaker and whacked is more like it. All I can say is some may see getting older as not so good but think back to the good ol' days and you'll be glad you got some years under your belt.

9 - I am thankful for the online bible. Oh I bet whenever I added bible verses to my blog, yall thought it was just coming outta my head, right? "That Sherry knows her bible" I can hear yall now. I do know a little bit but I am no bible scholar. What I do know is how to go to www.bible.com and do a search on key words. (Free plug for the website...check it out and you too can amaze your friends!)

10 - I am thankful for BLOGS! I could not have ended this list without a shout out to the blog makers of the world. Where else can I let everyone know what is on my mind and not have to worry about being interrupted?

Oh yeah, I am thankful for you too dear readers! Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!!!

No Bling Bling???

2005-10-22T17:26:00.000-04:00

I used to love the NBA. Remember MJ! Ahh yes...But now, if I never see another game, I will be okay. Why has my attitude become so callous? Glad you asked...

I am so tired of hearing about the NBA players complain because they have to where suits to work. SO WHAT? People who work at McDonalds have to wear uniforms for a lot less money. I am sure they would like to wear their regular clothes too if they could. And if you have ever worked in a restaurant, you know how those uniforms start to smell even after a good washing. I remember I had a job at the Limited and in order to work there you had to wear their clothes. Now, the Limited was never a cheap store plus I was in college so spending money on that brand when I had perfectly good clothes seemed ridiculous. But I needed a job and they hired me. So I bought and wore their clothes to work. Now I know NBA players make more than the $4.25 I made at the Limited.

So if I had them in a room, I'd stand on a chair so I could be eye level and yell "Quit your whining, you big babies and go buy some suits! It is only when you are on the job anyway. You don't see McDonalds employees sporting those smelly uniforms at the mall."

Like I heard a radio DJ say, when you work for someone else, you gotta follow their rules. Now why don't these multi-millionaires spend less money on the bling and put it together to start their own league then they can run it how they want.

Now I read online some players say asking them to conceal their bling was racially motivated. NO...not responding to Katrina's inner city stranded is racial. A SC educator refering to black children as "yard apes" is racial. Saying that aborting all the black babies would lower the crime rate is racial. If these guys want to rally around a racially motivated cause I am sure there are plenty. As much as I like wearing my earrings, when I interned at Phillip Morris, I could not wear them...But I didn't call for the ACLU to plead my case.

Anyway, if the NBA players of today want to know what real bling is, tell them to ask MJ who has 6 NBA championship rings. That is really the bling they work for, right? Or is it not about the winning anymore just the money?

Wal-Mart or Target?

2005-10-11T00:07:00.000-04:00

This past Saturday in my book club meeting, the ladies had a discussion of which department store was better - Wal-Mart or Target? Well, if you all know me, then you know I am not about to say Target is better - oh no. In fact, I am going to give you undisputable evidence why Wal-Mart is better than Target. So here goes the TOP TEN: (just like David Letterman)

10 - Target has a "bullseye" and a dog with a bullseye on his eye as a logo. As opposed to the Smiley face that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy. A bullseye is not a good thing - okay people! Just ask that man in the silhouette at the shooting range! If I had a bow and arrow, that dog's eye would be toast!

9 - Wal-Mart has an endless supply of cash registers like "25" to Targets "5". No, they are not all open but they are there if ya need 'em! And they have self-checkout registers too! Ha!

8 - Wal-Mart has real GROCERIES. Target has some junk food and some high price toilet paper.

7 - Wal-Mart has hypnotic powers. When you go in for one item, unknowingly, you will come out with about 20 more things you suddenly "realize" you need.

6 - Wal-Mart has 2 bathrooms. If you can't catch the one in the front of the store, you can always hit the one in the layaway section. An abundant supply of bathrooms are very important to me...

5 - Wal-Mart has an automotive shop. You can get cheap tires, cheap oil changes- any car, any time. And you can pay for all the stuff you were hypnotized into buying while you waited, at the automotive cash register.

4 - Wal-Mart gives you those little umbrella baggies when it is raining...You know so the water won't run on the floor making it all slippery. Now if they give you something to put on your wet feet, they would really have a concept.

3 - Wal-Mart is a perfect place to practice "diversity" training. You can find just about any ethnicity you want in Wal-Mart. It is like the "melting pot" of department stores. All they need is the Statue of Liberty with the Smiley face of course!

2 - Wal-Mart has lower prices than Target on every item any day of the week! Hands down!

AND NUMBER ONE REASON WAL-MART IS BETTER THAN TARGET....drum roll puh -leeze...

1 - Wal-Mart has "Wal-Mart greeters"!!! A position in which I aspire to hold in my golden years. "Welcome to Wal-Mart! Need a buggy?"

*This blog is dedicated to the Target lovers in the Piedmont-Triad R.A.W. SISTAZ book club!

Serving 2 Masters

2005-10-03T14:10:00.000-04:00

“I see life as both a gift and a responsibility. My responsibility is to use what God has given me to help his people in need.”—Millard Fuller

Who is Millard Fuller? Good question...He is the founder of Habitat for Humanity. I was watching The Today Show and all last week they were building houses through HFH for the Hurricane victims. This morning, they presented a family with the keys to what will soon be their new home. I believe it is a wonderful organization and I have on a few occasions been able to help build one of these homes. YES! There is a family who has a window installed by yours truly and some nails holding up the roof. Scary thought, right?

Anyway, I have heard the story of Mr. Millard Fuller awhile back and I thought it would be interesting to share. Here's the link to the entire aritlce but I wanted to provide an excerpt:

http://www.habitat.org/how/millard.aspx

A Life Changed by God:
From humble beginnings in Alabama, Millard Fuller rose to become a young, self-made millionaire. A graduate of Auburn University in Auburn, Ala., and the University of Alabama Law School at Tuscaloosa, he and a college friend began a marketing firm while still in school. Fuller’s business expertise and entrepreneurial drive made him a millionaire at age 29. But as the business prospered, his health, integrity and marriage suffered.These crises prompted Fuller to re-evaluate his values and direction. His soul-searching led to reconciliation with his wife and to a renewal of his Christian commitment.

The Fullers then took a drastic step: They decided to sell all of their possessions, give the money to the poor and begin searching for a new focus for their lives. This search led them to Koinonia Farm, a Christian community located near Americus, Ga., where people were looking for practical ways to apply Christ’s teachings. The Seed Is Planted With Koinonia founder Clarence Jordan and a few others, the Fullers initiated several partnership enterprises, including a ministry in housing. They built modest houses on a no-profit, no-interest basis, thus making homes affordable to families with low incomes. Homeowner families were expected to invest their own labor into the building of their home and the houses of other families. This reduced the cost of the house, increased the pride of ownership and fostered the development of positive relationships. Money for building was placed into a revolving fund, enabling the building of even more homes.

The bible says the following about money.
Matthew 6:24"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money. (NIV)

This verse pretty much explains why Mr. Fuller's, while becoming rich, life was taking a turn for the worse. I know what some of yall are thinking? If his marriage was on the rocks, why didn't he just leave? That is the easy way out and I think he realized what was most important in his life and it wasn't the money. Oh but I wonder how hard it was for them to sell all they had. Despite what has been said, being a true Christian is not for wimps! What did Jesus ask the rich man to do? But he couldn't do it.

Mark 10: 20 - 25 - 20 And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. 21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. 22 And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions. 23 And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! 24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

Kudos, Mr. Fuller for being obediant! For the skeptics, I must say the benefits and rewards of his actions, speak for themselves. http://www.habitat.org/

Next time you forsake what you hold nearest and dearest, whether it be family, friends, or your morals, to earn an extra dime, remember Millard Fuller and this piece of scripture:

1 Timothy 6:10 - For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (KJV)

Ball of Confusion

2005-09-24T14:00:00.000-04:00

The song "Ball of Confusion" was written in 1970. Not doubt the Tempts were addressing the choas in the world during those times. But I must say that the 21 century has about as much choas as any other era of the history of the United States of America. This may not be the opinion of others older than me but I can only speak on what I know. Anyway, I found the words to the song Ball of Confusion and thought I would see if anything had changed from 1970 until 2005. You know there are those who think we have progressed. We're so much better off because of technology and so much smarter than back then. Hmmmmm...I don't know about that. True, things are made to be more convenient but has the world gotten any better morally or spiritually - I tend to say No. Anyway, let's look at the song...my opinions are in RED!

The Temptations—Ball of Confusion (That's What The World Is Today) 1970

People movin' out,
People movin' in.
Why, because of the color of their skin
Well, so much for overcoming Racism...Not much has changed there (i.e. Federal repsonse to Hurricane Katrina victims).

Run, run, run, but you sho' can't hide
An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth,
Gotta get that revenge. Everybody was all fired up after 9/11 to go to war with Osama Bin Laden. So GWB sends troops to IRAQ! Hey, wait a minute...is Osama in Iraq?

Vote for me and I'll set you free
Rap on, brother, rap on
Vote for me or I will just steal some votes. Either way, I win!

The only person talkin' about love thy brother is the preacher
And it seems nobody's interested in learning but the teacher
Is anybody really talking about love thy brother?
And do teachers still care about learning? Teachers may be more interested if parents would parent, they made more money and had military survival training to protect themselves from these out of control children of the corn.

Segregation, determination, demonstration, integration,
Aggravation, humiliation, obligation to our nation
Ball of Confusion
Segregation - yep in the school systems and especially on Sunday! Obligation to our nation - yes soldiers - You signed up voluntary remember so you have no right to question why we are at war. At least that is what the war supporters are going to tell you. They'll say "Free Iraq and bring back some oil...if you die, it's your duty to your country. And if you come home hurt, you might get some assistance."

Oh yeah, that's what the world is today, hey, hey
The sale of pills are at an all time high
the sale and the price...without medical insurance you may as well hang it up.

Young folks walkin' around with their heads in the sky
and their pants below their butts showing their ol' raggedy underwear...

The cities aflame in the summertime and, oh
The beat goes on
Evolution, revolution, gun control, the sound of soul
We can't even stop little kids from getting guns shooting each other. What makes us think we can exercise gun control in the nation?

Shooting rockets to the moon
Tax dollars at being utilized to the fullest. Let's go to the moon, who cares if the earthlings are starving!

Kids growing up too soon
and not getting the proper beat downs...Hello...psychiatrists, time out is not working!

Politicians say more taxes will solve everything
And the band played on
If more taxes didn't fix things then why are we still saying they will in 2005.

So, round and around and around we go
Where the world's headed, nobody knows
Read the book of Revelations and you will know where the world is headed.

Oh, Great googamooga, can't you hear me talkin' to you
Just a Ball of Confusion, oh yeah
That's what the world is today, hey
"Great googamooga!" I didn't know that phrase was in a song!!!

Fear in the air, tension everywhere
Unemployment's rising fast,
WHOA if this ain't 2005, I don't know what is!

The Beatles' new record's a gas
And the only safe place to live
Is in an Indian Reservation
Funny that the reservation is the safest place to live considering the Native Americans were called "savages".
And the band played on

Eve of destruction, tax deduction
City inspectors, bill collectors
Mod clothes in demand
Population out of hand
Suicide, too many bills
Hippies moving to the hills,
People all over the world are shouting "End the War"
People are still shouting "End the War". In fact, they are marching in DC as I type this blog!

And the band played on
Oh, Great googamooga, can't you hear me talkin' to you
Just a Ball of Confusion,
That's what the world is today (in 2005), hey
No progression as far as I can see from then to now. How is that possible?

Hurricane Kat - No Greater Love

2005-09-08T18:41:00.000-04:00

Yes, I am still actively watching the developements of the victims of FEMA...oops! I mean Hurrincane Katrina. I watch not because I like to see the suffering but I am so touched by all the love expressed to these people by others. Strangers - black, white, green, purple - the color doesn't matter, they are lending a helping hand. Homes' doors have been open to strangers. I saw where one man came to Houston saying he was going to get jobs for people at his car dealerships. One family has taken in 20+ people. Even the celebs are stepping up, not with just money but with their time. Needless to say, I turn into a bigger cream puff with each touching story (but don't tell anybody, they may think I'm soft)...

All this makes me think about the WORD of course. I think the way we are acting towards each other now, is how we are suppose to act all the time. After 911, Americans grew closer to each other and called on God's name. It lasted for about 5 minutes...Then we were back to being selfish, loveless, and caught up in our own worlds...but the bible warned us about this type of behavior...

2 Timothy 3: 1 - 5 - 1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

WHOA! Does that sound like the world we live in or what? But guess what, I guess God must see something in us that we don't see in ourselves. I guess because He made us and His spirit is in us whether you believe in Him or not. You see, God is Love and since we were made in his image, then we must be love too. Basically, we are all made to love but because of sin, we make choices not to love. We think we have it all figured out but our Creator knew from the beginning and he knows what's in us. It is just we get stubborn so it takes a tragedy for to reveal what we are really made of.

If you ask me (I mean you didn't but that's besides the point), it takes more than just "doing my job" to be able to spend days without food and water in awful, dangerous conditions trying to save the lives of people you don't know, at the risk of dying yourself. I have seen people quit jobs for less stress than that. What makes a person open their home to 10 to 20 people some of which are strangers? What makes a man sleep in a hospital without food, water, lights with stranded dogs because he made a promise to the families to take care of their pets? It takes more than just guts for 3 college students to drive from NC to the Gulf Coast and risk being arrested for faking Media ID passes to get past the National Guards in order that they might rescue some stranded flood victims. What makes your heart ache for complete strangers who are suffering?

It is not a mystery and these aren't trick questions. It is because of love. And with the world being so messed up, we might forget we even know how to or want to show love to our fellow man. But God knows what is in us and that is what He asks of us. Now that we know we can do it, let's just do it and put aside the other foolishness.

John 15: 12 - 13 says: 12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. 13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Hurricane Kat - The Aftermath

2005-09-06T18:46:00.000-04:00

Well, I can say this has been one week that I wish could be erased from the history books. I have been so drawn to the stories although it is really made my heart heavy. Of course, the more upset I get about the rescue efforts overall, as individuals, people are really stepping up. So when I feel down about it, I think of the real heros and heroines and I feel better. I have had a lot to ponder over this week and of course I have come to share my thoughts with you all. Because #1- you guys are great listeners and #2 - that's what the blog is for...

Warning - This is gonna be a long blog. I may have to have a sequel and a pre-quel like Star Wars.

1 - I realize that I have alot to be thankful for and nothing to complain about. I mean we thought about the stuff we complain about on a daily basis. Let's say, traffic was heavy this morning on your way to work or wherever. Did you gripe about it? I know you did. Hmmmm...I guess it beats being stuck in a traffic jam trying to out run a Category 4 Hurricane, huh? Imagine being stuck and not knowing if you will get away in enough time.

Wonder if anybody grumbled about having to go to work today after getting a good nights rest? I guess it beats working around the clock for a week with no food, water, and in horrible conditions trying to save lives and being shot at. Not to mention, wading through water filled with dead bodies and diseases. Talk about something to complain about. If these things are not at your place of employment, then all I can say is be quiet and get to work!

Just the other day, I was in Wal-Mart irritated because they didn't have my beloved "LeBleu" bottled water. Why, why, why...was all I could think as I shook my fist at the WalMart security cameras. After my tandrum, I finally and reluctantly picked up some Aquafina. But I guess I should probably be grateful that there was any kind of water for me to drink considering bottles of water in New Orleans are hard to come by and would be greatly appreciated.

Your parents/children/relatives getting on your nerves. Did they drop by unnannouced for short visit? Were you upset? Perhaps they should have piled in 11, 12 deep with all they have in the world, no where to go and no idea of when they were leaving. And guess what, they don't have any money to help pay for anything they use in your house. Imagine! Makes getting ill about a brief unexpected visit sound trivial, huh?

Single women, you know how sometimes you complain about being lonely or when no man pays you any attention...wonder how the young lady felt as she got unwanted attention from young men who tried to rape her when all she wanted to do was survive and then have to watch her brother shoot one of the rapist in the head. Not getting noticed isn't so bad after all, huh?

We get upset when somebody lets out a little g-a-s in our presence which after 2 seconds, it gone. Wonder how we would feel if our whole environment was a neverending stench? Next time, roll down the car window and get over it...

Got anything to complain about? Yeah that's what I thought...

2 - Did anybody see Kanye West's comments? I stayed up as long as I could to hear what he said but fell asleep. But all was not lost because at 4:30 am I woke to hear Kanye say 'George Bush doesn't care about black people'...Ever wake up in the middle of the night and hear something crazy! That was absolutely the funniest thing I could have heard at 4 in the morning. But hey, he said what alot of people have been thinking since the 1st election. However, we say it at home or in the barber/beauty shops but on LIVE NATIONAL TV? If we never see or hear from Kanye again, we will all know why...can you say Jimmy Hoffa? (If you don't know who that is, get a history book)

3 - Harry Connick Jr. is my new best friend!!! I mean I liked him in Hope Floats and my friend/sister Stacy introduced me to the Harry Connick Jr Christmas CD and I thought, he's alright. But bless his heart, he's been down there wading in the toxic water saving people. He's so heartbroken. I just think when tragedy happens, being a celebrity means absolutely SQUAT! So remember that the next, you get caught up in what some crazy celeb does. I mean is this situation, has anybody thought about what Bobby and Whitney smoked or if Tom Cruise jumped on another sofa? You go Harry!

4 - The Governer of LA is not my new best friend. What's up with her saying she needed 24 MORE hours to decide if she need Federal help? HEL-LO? Okay LA citizens, when you all rebuild and move home and it is time to vote...I dare you to re-elect this woman.

5 - Ray Nagin the mayor of Nawlins is probably gonna go missing after this crisis. He cussed out er'body on a radio broadcast. I knew it would not be long before he snapped, because prior to his outburst, he was looking kinda crazy. You have seen those people with that borderline insanity look before. No...okay maybe I only hang out with psychos. Anyway, I am not being mean saying he's gonna go missing, he said so himself. See for yourself:

New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin said he's feeling better about his city, he feels confident he has gotten the attention of Gov. Kathleen Blanco and President Bush, but he said he fears the Central Intelligence Agency may take him out because he's been yelling at these officials.
He didn't say it once. He said it twice. Last night he told a reporter for the Associated Press: "If the CIA slips me something and next week you don't see me, you'll all know what happened."
Today he told interviewers for CNN on a live broadcast he feared the "CIA might take me out." - WorldNetDaily.com

Nagin, well, I guess you will be soon joining Kanye and Jimmy.

In reference to the above picture, what do you think either man is thinking in the picture above in their heads. Nagin is probably thinking "I just want to twist your hand right off your wrist" and GWB is probably thinking " ".... (Sorry Bush supporters, I had to go there!)

Well, this ends part one. More later. I still have plenty to say.

Hurricane Katrina

2005-08-30T00:05:00.000-04:00

I am always in awe of the strength and damage caused by hurricanes. And it seems Katrina has left her mark on the southeastern USA. My heart certainly goes out to the people in LA, MS, and AL. I can only imagne based on the images on the news as to the devestation caused. Of course being who I am, I always find things to ponder or contemplate on in every situation and Hurricane Katrina is no different. Therefore, there are a few things that come to my mind as I watch her fury from the comfort of my warm dry home...

1. Who decides who gets to be the news journalist who has to report on the hurricane while standing in the hurricane? Do they draw straws? Do they pick on the rookies? Have you guys ever watch these folks? They are being blown all over the place but three things remain constant - (1) They will have one hand on the mic and the other trying to keep the hood of their rain jackets from blowing off. These folks are yelling in the mic "The winds are very strong..." NO KIDDING!!! We can tell by the fact they are being whipped mercilessly by the wind. And at what point do they realized they are soaked and keeping that little hood on doesn't really matter. (2) There will always be the faithful cameraman sidekick who doesn't seem to have a problem with the wind. Because the camera seems to capture every riduculous moment of the anchorperson. (3) These folks are invincible. 200 million casualties can be reported but you never hear of an anchorman death.

Here are some good ones:
One reporter, no kidding, stood outside and then finally said "I'm getting out of here, the roof of a building just blew right at my feet!" Does it really take almost getting hit by a roof to realize you shouldn't be standing outside? I mean if it is not okay for anybody else then hello???...but I guess that is where the invincibility factor comes in. Do they get hazard pay? I wonder if the networks have taken out a little extra insurance on these guys...

Or how about the idiot reporter who runs out into the storm and crouches behind a big blue mailbox so he "could see what was going on". HEL-LO, could he not see the 140 mile per hour winds? Maybe the flying debris or car floating down the street, wasn't indication enough. And he runs from under a sheltered of a building to hide behind a mailbox??? Why did they have all those people evacuate, they could have just called the USPS to bring in thousands of big blue mailboxes.

2. 25% of the oil comes from LA! Which means, just because Katrina didn't leave some of us homeless from the winds and rains...by the time the gas prices go up, we'll all have to sell our homes just to buy gas. If my monthly gas costs ever get higher than my car payment, I might have to buy a bicycle.

3. I bet those folks being housed in the Superdome aren't really concerned about race, religion, ecomonic status or any of the other things that causes racism in this country. They are all just 9000 hot, hungry, wet, red-blooded Louisanians, and as Brian Williams put it alittle "aromatic" which a nice way of saying a little "funky". Hmmmm, kinda sad that it takes something drastic to make us realize we are all the same.

4. THE LOOTERS! C'mon people. On the news, they show these looters pushing buggies full of stolen stuff through flood water. What in the world are they going to do with this stuff? Can you say "WATER DAMAGE!" So not only have they stolen stuff they won't be able to use, they are caught on tv doing it! So now they are going to jail. If you are gonna steal something, steal a boat!

5. Finally, man seems to have been able to do a lot of remarkable things, space flight, cloning, atomic bombs, miracle drugs, etc but stop a hurricane with its mighty winds and forceful downpours, I don't think so! Which lets us know, the CREATER of the Universe is still running things and we need not forget it!!!

Jeremiah 25:32 - Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Behold, evil shall go forth from nation to nation, and a great whirlwind shall be raised up from the coasts of the earth.

Jeremiah 30:23 - Behold, the whirlwind of the LORD goeth forth with fury, a continuing whirlwind: it shall fall with pain upon the head of the wicked.

Amos 4:13 - For, lo, he that formeth the mountains, and createth the wind, and declareth unto man what is his thought, that maketh the morning darkness, and treadeth upon the high places of the earth, The LORD, The God of hosts, is his name.

Nahum 1:3 - The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.

In God We Trust...

2005-08-23T18:45:00.000-04:00

Earlier today I received an email which addressed the issue about "TRUST". What exactly is trust anyway? And can you ever say in all honesty, you trust someone 100%? I know for a fact that I have trust issues. I am working on it though but I can admit it. But I bet if some of you were asked, you would probably say "Oh yeah there are people, I trust completely" (i.e spouses, best friends, etc...) But I tend to think that there is a limit to how much we actually trust other people. What does this mean for our relationship with them if we admit we don't fully trust them?
Reason I say this, well, nobody is perfect so how could we say for certain, that this person won't do something to break our trust. The other reason I am a skeptic is because if you can say there are people you absolutely trust, then you most definitely gotta trust God, right? He is not a man that he should lie (Numbers 23:19). Okay this post may not be for everybody but for those of you who proclaim to have a relationship with the Lord, do you trust him?

Our US money says, IN GOD WE TRUST! (If you don't believe me, check out a coin, don't have one, I have provided one above for your visual inspection). What exactly does that mean considering we don't trust God with our money...(ex. tithes) And what does it mean when we ask God to deliver us from a situation and we continue to worry and dwell on it? And what does it mean when He told us He would fight our battles for us but we take up our own brand of revenge? And what does it mean when He told us in Hebrews 13:5 - Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee but yet we still feel lonely or want what other people have instead of being satisfied with what we have. Or what does it mean when He tells us in Isaiah 43:25 - I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins. But we find it hard to forgive ourselves for the sins we asked God to forgive us. Do we really believe He has forgiven us? None of these apply to you, hmmmm...

What about this? God says in Isaiah 53:5 - But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. But we run to the doctor for every ailment and pop a pill for every headache.

Don't get me wrong, I am stepping on my own toes. Like I admitted previously, I do have trust issues and until today I thought my issues were just with other people but the more I thought about it, I realize I must have a trust issue with God too. And that my friends, is not easy to admit...

Who wants to be Bobby Brown?

2005-08-17T20:23:00.000-04:00

Yep, I know in an earlier post I said I would not watch the show Being Bobby Brown but I got coerced into watching not 1, not 2 but 4 episodes. So who has seen this show? Oh my goodness! This show is ridiculous and sad all at the same time. Okay let's start with Bobby. What happen to the "Mr. Telephone Man" Bobby? He is always drinking, cussing, and looking confused as Whitney talks trash to him. I can say he does spend time with his kids. He has four but for some seem to think he has more than that.

Although I don't think he can do anything with Bobby Kristina. Now I don't like to talk about children but could they please get that child a hairstylist. I mean her parents have money, or so they say...and I know there are some good hairstylist in Atlanta. But in the episodes I watched, she looked real thrown away. I think she must be raising herself. But she ain't going hungry cause little sistah girl doesn't look like she has missed a meal. But it's not the hair or the chubbiness that turns me off from this child. It is her smart mouth. When she said to her mother, "leave me alone before I hit you". I was like "oh no she didn't say that to her momma!" But considering the momma...

Now let's talk about Miz Whitney. She is a few people short of a full house if you know what I mean. I know yall think Bobby cause her ghetto-fabulousness but I don't think so. All she does is smoke and cuss. And what's up with the wigs? Now I can go up the road to Beauty World and get a serious no nonsense wig and look like a movie star. Her wigs look so raggedy and unwashed. Ugh...But I guess the same person who does Bobby Kristina's hair is doing Whitney's. And in all of the four episodes I watched, she was only looking decent once. The rest of the time, she just looked a hot mess. Poor Whitney! I hope since she he has been back to rehab, she has gotten herself together. I bet when she does get straight and she looks back on these shows, she will be like, Who in the world let me look and act like that?

All I can say is after seeing Being Bobby Brown, I can't say I would know why anyone would want to be Bobby Brown.

The NBTF, TJMS and Winston-Salem

2005-08-08T23:42:00.000-04:00

It has been a minute since I have posted to this blog. But I got caught up in the festivities of the National Black Theater Festival, www.nbtf.org, held every 2 years here in W-S. Black Celebs from stage, screen, and tv come together to participate and enjoy black theater.

Now these plays are not the like those plays we are used to like "My man is a dog but I am still blessed and highly favored..." Yall know the type. These are very well written entertaining plays. I had the chance to see The Jackie Wilson Story again. It was very good. Chester Gregory II, who played Jackie has a awesome voice. After hearing him sing LIVE, it makes you wonder how these other raggedy artist (i.e. Usher, sorry I am not a fan) ever get recording contracts, while the real singers never get to reach the fame and fortune of these average singers (i.e. Beyonce - sorry I am not a fan). OT - I wish Whitney Houston would get herself together and save our ears. I refuse to watch "Being Bobby Brown." But I digress...

Anyway, I also saw a one man show called Emergence-SEE. It is hard to describe but it was about a slave ship appearing at the Statue of Liberty and the effect slavery, etc has had on black america. It was real deep and the brother had a lot of valid points. I just wish more young people could have been there to hear what he had to say. OT - there were so many white t-shirts, baggy pants, and gold teeth downtown W-S this weekend. For the life of me, I can't understand the fascination with gold teeth.

On Friday, if you listened to the Tom Joyner Morning Show, then you know he was airing the Sky Show from Winston-Salem. And the Winston-Salem-ites did turn out in glorious ghetto-fabulous fashion. Yep, I was there too. Tom, Jay, Sybil, Ms. Dupree and Myra J. were all there and we got to hear the bands Con-Funk-Shun, Midnight Star, and the SOS band. They all were real good. However, Midnight Star kept giving a shout out to "Greensboro". How can you not know what city you are in? But it was 6:00 am!!! Anyway, the show was very entertaining.

I was also able to see a few celebs (James Avery - Uncle Phil, Jeffery the butler both from Fresh Prince). And guess who? Ralph Carter, yes - Michael Evans, was in the house. I should have asked him to read my blog. Maybe he could have added some perspective to my Good Times topic. Anyway, I did not get to see my "boyfriend" Lamman Rucker, formerly on As the World Turns, currently on All My Children which is my fav. soap so I always got a tape ready to record.

Oh yeah, they had the International Vendors Market too. Now you know whenever you have a black event, you are gonna have vendors. No fish sandwich or cheap T-shirt stands though. These vendors had some expensive stuff!!! So I bought absolutely nothing!

Well, I guess I gotta wait until 2007 for the next festival. Maybe next time you can join me and we can become blinded by the GOLD TEETH together!

Oh yeah - one more thing - A PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUCEMENT:
Friends please don't let friends wear outfits that are too small or too tight! Just because it was made in your size doesn't mean you should buy it and wear it!

Is it true Wal-Mart?

2005-08-01T15:09:00.000-04:00

Most of you who know me, know that I love Wal-Mart! And when I retire I am going to be a Wal-Mart greeter. Hey, you gotta have dreams!

But is Wal-Mart exploiting children? I hope it isn't so just like I hope Michael Jackson is really innocent. But I have to ask myself, if there comes hard core proof, will I stop shopping there? A life without Wal-Mart...I can't say I remember what that was like. How do they manage to outsell everyone else? Or is this a ploy to cripple Wal-Mart because they are dominating over the competition. Is this a ploy by TAR-GEY' I mean Target?

Wal-Mart is no different from anything else that exploits anybody. So why are they being targeted? There are alot of battles out there that need to be fought. One thing I can say for those who are opposing Wal-Mart, they are standing up and defending what they feel is right. Most of us talk a good game but when it comes down to it. We'll say "Wal-Mart is terrible for doing this" as we stand in the 20 items of less checkout line. I do have to punish Wal-Mart for bad business so maybe instead of going there 3 - 4 times a week, I will cut it down to 1 or 2. That'll show'em.

In all seriousness, what we have to decide is who is being hurt by the choices we make. If in fact, children are being used as cheap labor, then Wal-Mart needs to correct this ASAP and we should support those who have the guts to take a stand. We need to decide if saving a buck or two is worth it.

In the meantme, can somebody point me to the establishment which is doing everything right all the time, I need to shop there? I didn't think so.

You Go Condi!!!

2005-07-29T11:11:00.000-04:00

Forbes magazine has published a list of the World's Most Powerful Women. And Dr. Condoleezza Rice was picked to be number one. Now I am not sure how you feel about her considering her affiliation with Pres. G.W.B. or her style (but the hair is improving). But if you are a woman and an African American woman, you gotta admit this is kinda cool. I mean, do you think in Dr. King's dreams that he saw a black woman named the most powerful in the world in the year 2005?

And when Forbes picked the women in the World, they weren't talking about the USA only. Sometimes I hate the "In the World Lists" because it only includes folks from the USA. And guess what, despite what we believe over here, we are NOT THE WORLD! Anyway, I digress...Condi tops a list of women who are running things all over the world such as in Wu Yi, the Vice Premier, former Vice Mayor of Beijing, China who is #2 or Megawati Sukarnoputri (I challenge anybody to pronouce that name) who is the President, Indonesia coming in at #8. Oh yeah, our girl Oprah is on the list too! Not sure what happen to my name...Must have just been an oversight. I'll contact Forbes after I finish this post...

So be sure the next time you see some young girl who is feeling like she is not going to make it, tell her she can be whatever she wants to be. Or if you as an adult are letting your circumstances put a block on your destiny then think of where we've been and where we are now. Not quite there yet but hey you gotta start somewhere! Anyway, think of Condi and know being #1 is attainable!!! No matter what color you are!

If a Man Wants You!!!

2005-07-28T16:30:00.000-04:00

I received this email just today and I thought it was very interesting. I thought I would put it here and add my own spin to each "Do" and "Don't". But first off, have you ever wondered why it is necessary for women to keep reminding themselves about things like this. I wonder if men sit around and discuss or share emails on how to avoid being in a bad relationship with us women. But for some reason, we as women are always on guard and advising one another on how to avoid making mistakes. Of course, God said in his WORD through the Apostle Paul that there would be days like this. 2 Timothy 3: 1 - 7 says:

1But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.
6They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over weak-willed women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, 7always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth.

The original email is in BLACK...Any additional comments by me are in RED.

1- If a man wants you, nothing can keep him away. If he doesn't want you, nothing can make him stay. So for heavens sake don't think having a baby will keep him! Getting child support can be a nightmare.

2 -Stop making excuses for a man and his behavior. Allow your intuition (or spirit) to save you from heartache. Allow the HOLY SPIRIT to guide you but of course we sometime ignore what is being said because it is not what we want to hear.

3- Stop trying to change yourselves for a relationship that's not meant to be. First you gotta realize and accept that it's not meant to be.

4- Slower is better. What's that saying about the race is not given to the swift...

5 - Never live your life for a man before you find what makes you truly happy. Unless that man's name is JESUS!

6 - If a relationship ends because the man was not treating you as you deserve then heck no, you can't "be friends." A friend wouldn't mistreat a friend. Does this even work? Being friends that is...

7 - Don't settle. Enough said!

8 - If you feel like he is stringing you along, then he probably is. Untie that knot! The days of Lynching are over!

9 - Don't stay because you think "it will get better." You'll be mad at yourself a year later for staying when things are not better. You can by walking away then it's better!

10- The only person you can control in a relationship is you. And we don't even do a good job at that so what makes us think we can control somebody else.

11 - Avoid men who've got a bunch of children by a bunch of different women. He didn't marry them when he got them pregnant, why would he treat you any differently? I ain't gonna touch this.

12 - Always have your own set of friends separate from his. Now why wouldn't you have your own set of friends? You need somebody to help beat him down if he acts up. His own friends ain't gonna help you do that.

13 - Maintain boundaries in how a guy treats you. If something bothers you, speak up. I don't think any of the ladies I know will have a problem with this...

14- Never let a man know everything. He will use it against you later. In other words, don't go telling him all your dirt cause he sure ain't gonna tell you all his! Unless of course that man is JESUS and he will never bring it up again. Psalm 103: 10 - 12 says: 10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. 11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. 12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.

15- You cannot change a man's behavior. Change comes from within. Romans 12:2 says 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. YE means you not somebody else...

16 - Don't EVER make him feel he is more important than you are.... even if he has more education or in a better job. And don't think you are more important than him either for the same reasons...

17- Do not make him into a quasi-god. He is a man, nothing more nothing less. Not sure what a quasi-god is...but hey don't but him on a pedestal cause he ain't perfect.

18 - Never let a man define who you are. How could he do that? Pray that you already know who you are.

19 - Never borrow someone else's man. If he cheated with you, he'll cheat on you. I know there's some women don't really believe this...if they did they would not get mad when their "borrowed" man steps out on them.

20- A man will only treat you the way you ALLOW him to treat you. Chris Rock says watch how he treats his mama and you will know how he will treat you.

21 - All men are NOT dogs. TRUE!

22 - You should not be the one doing all the bending...compromise is a two way street. In other words, take the words "DOOR MAT" off your forehead!

23- You need time to heal between relationships...There is nothing cute about baggage... deal with your issues before pursuing a new relationship. And we know we will take our issues and carry them around even after we asked God to put us at peace. Why do we do that?

24- You should never look for someone to COMPLETE you...a relationship consists of two WHOLE individuals...Look for someone complimentary...not supplementary. Yeah cause two halves is 50% and 50% which means each person is missing 50% of something else.

25 - Dating is fun...even if he doesn't turn out to be Mr. Right. Yeah but after a certain age, dating can be a waste of time if it ain't going no where.

26 - Make him miss you sometimes...when a man always know where you are, and you're always readily available to him- he takes it for granted. Too late - we have cellphones!

27- Never move into his mother's house. Unless mama is rich and got a big ol' house with servants.

28 - Never co-sign for a man. Or co-sign with one unless he's your husband. At least that is just my opinion.

29 - Don't fully commit to a man who doesn't give you everything that you need. Keep him in your radar but get to know others. I guess this means it's okay to have your own "little black book" but don't be a hoochie mama!

IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL

2005-07-27T17:17:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite hymns is "It is Well with My Soul" by Horatio G. Spafford. One day I was feeling alittle out of sorts, so I went online to find the words to this song to inspire me. Well, as I was looking I came across the story of Mr. Spafford and thought it was interesting at the point in his life in which he wrote this song. I now have a new appreciation for the words. Anyway, I was feeling pretty good today but there maybe someone who needs encouraging. So here is a brief history of Horatio Spafford and the Words to the song, "It is Well with My Soul!"

This hymn was written following a series of major traumatic events in the life of Horatio G. Spafford. The first was the death of his son. Shortly after the death of his son came the great Chicago fire of October 1871. Spafford had invested heavily in real estate along the shores of Lake Michigan and his holdings were wiped out by this disaster. Feeling a need for a vacation for his family and desiring to join his friends D. L. Moody and Ira Sankey in an evangelistic campaign in Great Britain, Spafford planned a European trip for his family in 1873. Due to a last minute business development, he remained in Chicago and sent his wife and four daughters ahead on the S. S. Ville du Havere. His plan was to join them a few days later. While crossing the Atlantic, their ship was struck by another ship and sank in a matter of minutes. All four of Spafford’s daughters died in the tragic accident. Spafford’s wife Anna survived and sent him the now famous telegram, “Saved alone.” Several weeks later, as Spafford’s own ship passed near the spot where his daughters died, the Holy Spirit inspired him to write the words to this beautiful hymn. They speak to the eternal hope that all believers have, no matter what pain and grief may befall them on earth.

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll;

Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,

It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Refrain
It is well, with my soul,It is well, with my soul,It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,

Let this blest assurance control,

That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,

And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!

My sin, not in part but the whole,

Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:

If Jordan above me shall roll,

No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life

Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.

But, Lord, ‘tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,

The sky, not the grave, is our goal;

Oh trump of the angel! Oh voice of the Lord!

Blessèd hope, blessèd rest of my soul!

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,

The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;

The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,

Even so, it is well with my soul.

Discovery Crew - Please send food

2005-07-26T17:19:00.000-04:00

Well, the Discovery has made it safely into outer space. Here at school, folks were gathered around the TV waiting for the ship to launch. I was asked if I was excited and wanted to see the launch. And I guess being in the engineering field, I probably should have been all up in the TV. But I told them no because I feel like the money can be used to do more here. Yes, Yes, research is good. At least I must think so since I am doing it...right?

But here's my feelings about this - couldn't those millions of dollars be used to feed some hungry children or provide some medication for the elderly who have to choose between food and medicine, or provide support the families of the troops overseas. None of these apply to you...well how about using the money to help lower the gas prices or pay the teachers more money to teach these unruly children!!!

Anyway, I hope while in space the crew of the Discovery will discover an abundant supply of space food that will end world hunger. If not, then perhaps we should evaluate our priorities on what is important...Is the USA, a sheep or a goat???

Matthew 25:31 - 46
31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: 32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: 33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. 34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: 36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. 37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? 38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? 39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? 40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. 41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: 42 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: 43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. 44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? 45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. 46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

Good Times Marathon

2005-07-24T23:30:00.000-04:00

I have been watching the Good Times marathon on TVland all weekend. Right now I am looking at the Penny episodes where she is being abused. I remember watching that as a kid, and I was like scared of that mom and that iron. I don't know if I have ever looked at an iron the same. (that and the wire hangers - not from Good Times but that other mom beating kid movie...the name escapes me.)

Can you believe I fell asleep on the James is dead episode? I miss Florida's famous last words (yall know 'em so I won't repeat).

Anyway, what I have learned so far from this marathon:
(1) James Evans Sr. was an angry man. I don't know how Florida put up with that. It's a wonder he hadn't died way before he did from a heart attack.
(2) The family never locked the door because Willona always just walked in. This is funny since they live in the ghetto and always talked about crime.
(3) Janet Jackson was a pretty good little actress, what happen?
(4) If tv adds 10 lbs, I wonder just how skinny JJ really was?
(5) Inflation is something else! In one episode, James Sr. was exciting about making $4.35/hour. And in another JJ won $2500 in the lottery and the family thought they were rich! Nowadays, $2500 might get you a tank of gas!!!
(6) Hair pieces and wigs have come along way. Willona had some awful wigs.
(7) When Florida was on her honeymoon with Carl, JJ and Michael still slept on the couch! Wonder why? Florida's room was empty.
(8) After all the time spent cooking, wonder why Thelma's never improved? Like they say practice makes perfect.

If I learn anything else, I will let you know. The marathon isn't over yet!

Is it just BET?

2005-07-24T19:51:00.000-04:00

Last week I saw on the news a story where one of the local ministers in my city is calling for a petition and boycott of BET. http://www.wfmy.com/search/search_article.aspx?storyid=45234

He is calling for BET to revise their programming for more educational programs and less videos and other programming with questionable material. Well, why I agree BET could do better (remember the days of Donnie Simpson- the good ol' days)...in fact I hardly even watch BET...but is a BET boycott fair? Let me explain...

My question when I heard of this preacher's efforts, is why stop there? There are alot of things wrong with tv. Not just BET. I mean there is so much garbage on tv on just about all the channels. Even the cartoon network, after a certain time at night, has garbage on it. Letters/petitions should be flying to every network (except maybe Disney, I think they may still be okay). Now I believe we are responsible as adults for what our children take in. And this includes the adults who work in entertainment. I wonder if they let their children watch some of the stuff they produce??? Anyway, I think it is unfair to blame only BET for corrupting our kids.

Whose fault is it when children kill?

2005-07-23T01:01:00.000-04:00

I recently read this article entitled "8 year old charged in baby's death". In essense, a 8 year old boy kicked, punched and beat his 7 month old sister with a 2 by 4. Someone asked the question "Where is God when stuff like this happens? He knows what is going to happen before it happens..."

In response to the question, here was my opinion on the subject:

God is always here but the devil will use whoever to do whatever! That is why it is important for adults (not just parents - the community) to start teaching children about God as early as possible. It is still a matter of free will to make the right decisions even in an child. We can't blame God only ourselves because He has given us the WORD to follow and we don't. God gave us permission to chastise our children but we don't because we say its wrong. But what does God say?

Proverbs 22:6 - Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 22:15 - Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.

Proverbs 23:13 - Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.

Proverbs 23:14 - Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.

Proverbs 13:24 - He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.

Proverbs 29:15 - The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.

So now we have babies killing babies. I guess if it upsets us, wonder how grieved God is???

What are your thoughts?

WELCOME to my blog!

2005-07-23T00:40:00.000-04:00

I finally have a place to put all the things that are on my mind. I usually send out bulk email when I have a thought and want to share but now I am a blogger. Welcome to my blog spot! I hope you have as much fun reading as I am sure I will have reading your responses. Sit back, buckle up, and enjoy the ride into the MIND OF THE EASTERBABY!