What's on the Mind of the Easterbaby?

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 cele...

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 Ha...

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 car...

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 leve...

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-Ma...

“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-ma...

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 s...

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 b...

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 ...

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 KI...

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 wh...

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 no...

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...

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...

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...

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 Go...

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 ...

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...

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 ...

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 w...

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 - F...

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!