Being Thankful

Thanksgiving is now upon us, it is a time to give thanks and honor to God for all of his blessings. Many people have lost their jobs and some have even lost loved ones, and with that comes despair and mourning, for some depression, they may not think they have a reason to be thankful, but for everything that happens in our lives God is always in control and everything happens for a reason. Let us not only thank him for what we do have, but also for the things that we don't because it teaches us to rely solely on him and to know that he is God. Thanksgiving is not just about turkey and all the fixings, it is also about family and friends and giving thanks for them, it is a time to reach out to strangers who might not have as much as some of us, and sharing our blessings with them, this might be feeding the hungry at the shelters or at church or wherever you might be. One year my sister and I helped feed the hungry at our church and I can't tell you how good it felt to do something for someone else besides myself, to see people smile at you, and to know that they weren't going to bed hungry that night did my heart a lot of good. I have to admit, I didn't do anything to contribute to the food banks this year, even though I have had more than enough food to eat myself, and that is bothersome to me I should have been giving to someone that doesn't have enough to eat, or nothing at all, so I do ask God to forgive me for that selfishness on my part. I am going to make it my personal goal every year to contribute to those who are less fortunate than I am, after all isn't that what being thankful is all about?

Relaxation

What a wonderful way to start the week. This past weekend was my mother's birthday, so my sister planned a surprise trip for us all at Myrtle Beach. It rained the whole time we were there, except on the day we left the sun came out, but that didn't stop us from having a great time. It is always refreshing to take some time off from one's busy schedule and just relax and reflect on our lives. The ocean was beautiful, and even though it was too cold to actually walk on the beach, we could see the entire ocean from our room. Peace and quiet, there is nothing like it to cleanse the soul. Watching the expanse of the ocean is a marvelous thing, no beginning and no end, it shows us just how awesome God is and how his creations are a gift to us all.

Relationships between Black men and Black women

It was very unnerving to find out what some black men think of black women as a whole. A small group that my sister belongs to at our church decided they would sit down and talk with a few brothers to see how they felt about their black sisters. Much to my surprise and some of the other ladies, a lot of black men don't think too highly of us. Some of the guys said that we are too head strong, too independent, nagged too much and didn't keep up our appearances once we were married to them. Speaking as a black woman I feel the need to defend my other black sisters. We have been through a lot of struggles in our lives, not only because of the color of our skin, but also because we are women in general. Some of us have suffered through mental and physical abuse, abandonment, rejection, single parenting, racial inequality, and so on and so fourth, so that could very well explain why we are all those things they like to refer to us as. Some of them think we are all gold diggers looking for someone to take care of us, pay or bills, buy us clothes and shower us with money for hair do's and manicures and pedicures. Wake up men, and open your eyes, look at all the good things we are and the good things we do. Black men feel like we give them a bad rep, but what about what they do to us.? We raise our children, we work hard and yes, we do bring our half to the table. We might not all look like Victoria Secret models, but some of us look just as good if not better. People as a whole need to stop being so superficial and look at the things that are really important. Look at our characters, how we carry ourselves, do we take pride in who we are? do we keep ourselves and our homes neat and tidy? do we take care of the kids? and yes, what about those of us that do take care of our men and are supportive of them? give us a break, stop looking for the 20% when you already have the 80%, except us for who we are, and help us to grow in positive ways, give us encouragement to be better, so that you benefit in a positive way. We do in general love our black brothers in spite of what they think we are.

joy comes in the morning

A change is going to come

God bless our new President and this country. A change is finally going to come for this nation, it has been a long time coming, and the day has arrived. For all the blood, sweat and tears that we as a people have gone through to make this moment in history not just a dream, but now a reality is miraculous. I truly believe Barak will be an outstanding President, not only is he an eloquent speaker, but he walks the walk and doesn't just talk the talk. In listening to his speech last night it should be clear to all that he really cares about the heart of this country and its people. He overcame not only the racial barrier, but he never folded when others were slandering his name and looking for ways to break his spirits. Praise, honor and Glory to God our father for sending this outstanding human being to guide us to a new America.

Celebrity for a day

Today I felt like a celebrity. I had the opportunity to read my poem titled "Election Day" on 103.9 FM the light. I was very nervous, but after getting such warm responses from several people who read my poem, I was encouraged to share it with others. I sent a copy of the poem to my younger sister, and after reading it, she thought it was fantastic and decided to share it with a group of women from our church and some of her close friends, who in turn shared it with some of their friends. It was a true honor to know that so many people enjoy the gift of writing that God has given me, and any time I can share something with someone that will make a difference in their life or in the lives of others, it is truly a blessing to me, and one way in which I can honor God. I hope to write more poetry on my blog page and maybe even look into a creative writing web page where others can read some of my material. God bless to all.

Twas the month of November, Thanksgiving is near and people are voting this time of the year. Some for Obama, others for Mccain, some aren't voting because of the rain. The people are waiting with anticipation, in hope that change will soon flood the nation. Lower taxes, more jobs, better healthcare they scream and all of this comes from the Obama team. The critics are talking, the media is hot, and political commercials are running five minute slots. Angry mobs flood the streets they're all in the news, while Joe the plumber keeps crying the blues. What is this world coming too? what happened to peace for the red, white and blue? God runs this country, not the republicans or the democrats, and why does it matter that one is white and the other is black? we are all God's people with free choice and free will, and it seems to me we all foot the bills. So let us remember on this election day, God is the one who has the final say.

what's in our hearts?

You know, I find it very disturbing when someone criticizes a person for trying to help someone who has fallen on bad times, or is dealing with a difficult situation and need someone to come along beside them and help them. A very good friend of mine is doing just that, helping someone that needs him, and a few people have given him the title "soft". I applaud anyone who steps outside of themselves to go to the aid of others. There is nothing more rewarding than to look at oneself in the mirror and smile because you know you have done something good for someone besides yourself, that is one of the most gratifying feelings we as human beings can experience. I challenge everyone including myself to always be willing to lend a hand to those in need, for in helping strangers, you could very well be entertaining angels. What better way to please God.

It's all about the attitude

Today I would like to start off my message with a request from God to grant me patience and wisdom in all things. Have you ever had to deal with someone that was difficult, rude, obnoxious or just hard to get along with? I think we all have. Just recently I had a very disturbing conversation with someone who was exactly like that, and it seemed like no matter how nice I tried to be, how calm I was, and how much I tried to exercise self control, this person was just the opposite. Well, to make a long story short, I lost my temper and the conversation turned into a shouting match until this person hung up on me, that really set me off. We learn as Christians that we should always exercise self control and put off anger, this is something I am really working hard at because I am the type of person who doesn't like to argue or deal with confrontation of any kind, and I have to constantly remind myself what the Bible says in Ephesians 6:12- for we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. So going forth, I will continue to pray for self control, and learning how to bridle my tongue when dealing with difficult people, and keep in mind Proverbs 15:1- a soft answer turneth away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger.

living in a world of chaos

First I would like to start out with a prayer to the families who have lost loved ones due to senseless acts of violence or crime. My heart is heavy this morning with the state of our would today. It's becoming harder and harder to turn on the tv to watch the news of what is happening all around the world everyday. People killing each other, killing themselves, people losing their homes to foreclosure, banks going out of business, people losing their jobs, etc....... In a world full of chaos and destruction, I thank God that he is in my life. We as Christians know that the things of this world are only temporary, but what about the millions out there that don't know Christ, can you imagine what they are feeling right now, they have lost hope and are taking desperate measures to survive. It is so important for us to share the Gospel with the lost each and every day, and I for one am guilty of not taking that opportunity to do just that. I see people falling into depression and anxiety, people turning to crime because they don't know of any other way, and my heart breaks for them. People are hurting in these end times and they are looking for a way out, we know what the key to survival is, so let us take the time each day out of our busy schedules to share the love of Christ, with his grace and mercy to a world that is reaching out and searching for answers.

finish what you start

Last night I decided to get some much needed exercise, so I went walking with one of my best friends. After about 2 laps around the track I was already exhausted and had to slow down a notch, by the 3 lap I was ready to quit, so my friend said sit down for a minute and relax and I will come back for you on the next lap, so I stretched my legs a little to get the cramps out, and by the time he came back for me, I was ready to go. Well, I did my fourth lap and I thought okay this is the last one for me and I am quitting, so he said come on just one more, I said I can't, then I said okay one more, and before you know it I had walked 7 laps around the track, I was so proud of myself because I had finished what I started. That is how the Christian walk is, sometimes you get tired and just want to give up, but if you finish the race and never give up, the reward that God has for you is unimaginable. As the saying goes, " when you get tired of standing, that is the best time to start kneeling, in prayer." Always finish what you start, the reward is great.

Struggling with Singleness

Today is a good day and a blessing, everyday is good when God allows us to partake of it. I would like to start off by asking for prayers in helping me to accept God's will in my life. I, like so many others, struggle with a life of singleness. Ever since I was old enough to know what marriage was, I liked the idea and have always wanted to be married, and each day that I remain single is truly a struggle for me. Having someone to share your life with is truly a gift, but I hear so many married people saying they wish they were single, and the single ones wish they were married, and I ask myself why would anyone want to be single? well, I already know the answer to that question, it is so we can totally focus on God and doing his will. I too want God to be priority in my life first, but I would also like to have a husband to share in the joys and blessings that God has provided for me. Am I wrong for feeling this way? God said, " we have not, because we ask not," so I am asking to be blessed with this special person, but, at the same time if that is not in God's will for me, then I am asking that he help me to accept that, and that his grace will be sufficient. So, please keep me in your prayers, and for all of you, who like me desire to be married, remember nothing is impossible for God.

"This is the Day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. " I have decided that everyday is a good day, no matter how many struggles I may face, or how many challenges I may have, I treasure each new day that is full of promise and God's grace. I can choose to be depressed and cry over spilled milk, or I can rest assured that joy comes in the morning and everything happens for a reason.