Thank You God

Thank You god for waking me up this morning. I take nothing for granted. I am blessed to be here today. Nothing is by chance. I have faith that God is working it out in my life.

Thank You Lord for today. My life is in your hands. I thirst for you. I'm excited about being with you. Thank You Lord for blessing me. Thank You for another day. Thank You for everything I have in my life that glorifies your awesomeness. I love you for wanting to save me.

God's intimacy puts us at ease. His discerning mind and spirit allow us to love and be loved no matter what, We are all broken vessels and need to be loved.

Becoming Sensitive Again

  Ephesians 4:31-32 (The Message)

 31-32Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, profane talk. Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.

 

What can we do to make this better?

Prayer and Worship

The prayer and worship session was so necessary, I think it was right on time. We need one of those every week this summer. With all the stuff that has been going on, we need to pray and give thanks to God. Believe in the power of prayer. I was very proud of you. Its like you should have a big SJA on your chest. Social Justice Angel. Without you and your passion, where would we be. We are blessed..

Good Morning America

Good Morning America. I think you took a stand against strife. Oftentimes we purposely let minor irritations upset us. Others and ourselves will blow the smallest thing out of proportion. Its time to take a stand against strife. You stood your ground but didn't do it arrogantly. You explained the overarching message which was one of entitlement. I think a lot of people are upset that you recognized the fact, as many others did, but you went a step further and defined, identified and dramatized that point. I'm glad that a collage of your activist programs and your inspiration for this cause and many others were also included to shape you as a well rounded, passionate, sincere human being. 

I pray that we can take a big stand against all of the little opportunities that will arise to create strife. Those minor irritations will become the small crack in a dam and them suddenly the water comes crashing over everything.  Chose to overcome the small irritations. By the power of God I will not let those small irritations over take my peace. Peace is what I seek. Peace is important for my well being. Peace is important for my health and to also create healthy relationships. It places me in a place where I allow God to guide my steps. Peace.  With the help of the Holy Spirit I can use the weapon of the Word of God to help me overcome worry and doubt one moment at a time. Every time those things come up I have the Word to battle that strife. The more I rebuke it the more I am walking in the Peace of God for that day, that moment, that instant. One day at a time, one step at a time to dispel worry and doubt.

Good Job

I stay hopeful that the world will have peace.

I hope for an end to the violence that young people continue to inflict on each other. I hear so many talking about their fights and murders as a badge of honor. I took my grandson to the park today and there were teenagers talking abou the fights that they had in school or that they witnessed or heard about. I heard a teacher tell of a student who is in summer school now. He has the standard bracelet from the law on his ankle. When she asks for his name he says, Dont you know me, I killed so-and so. Its the cool thing to do, get into a fight. To shoot somebody. These are our children who are not involved in any social skills programs so they spend their time talking about negative stuff. Why aren't they at the pool or at some sort of camp. I know there are many different things they can become occupied with over this summer.

How is it that someone can belittle your achievements with just a very snide remark, made totally without intent to hurt. When you recognize a true problem with yourself and your community, you decide that by joining a challenge, you can help yourself and your community. You compete with other churches, even megachurches to lose weight and improve your health. Obesity is a huge problem in the African American community so any chance to address the problem and highlight the possibilities of improving your health, maybe changing or reducing your medication is always a plus. We know that weight loss is a hard thing and that the faith community is sorely in need of a change. When we look at the community there are huge numbers of people overweight and its not just the women. Its nice to hear from your leader, "Well done, good job" We all hope to be examples for others who many find the thought of losing weight too challenging. Its not a matter of glamour. Most of these women are not looking to get into bikinis or modeling. Most are just trying to get healthier, increase their energy level. Maybe walk up and down stairs without being winded. Reduce their blood pressure, lower their dose of insulin. Most of the women who participated were older and more mature. While I was not there every week I did attend some of the meetings and I grew to appreciate the determination and dedication of the women. Our goal was to do something for our church. We were able to stay devotedand determined and come out the winner of the church challenge. We won for the church $5500.00. That's a nice tidy sum of money. We didnt say how to use it and still don't really care. We didn't say use it for the women's bathroom. I wouldn't have minded if you used it to pay the air conditioning bill because we really could have used it on Sunday. Redoing the bathroom is necessary to calm the women. Women who are loving and devoted to you. Women who will do anything for you. I don't complain, I just wonder what we did to deserve the callous and half hearted mention of the endeavor. I'm sure there is going to be something from Weight Watchers, but we really wanted some acknowledgement from you.  Well Done good and faithful son/daughter. We are not known by our deeds but by our heart. We all try to do our best at whatevr it is we can do. Everyone can'd do everything but some people can do some things.

This was just my thoughts on this, you can take it with a grain of salt.

Be blessed and be a blessing.

Welcome Back

Welcome Back

What an electrifying event it was today. The church was packed and the support and outpour was for you. We love you and it shows.

This was your day and the people turned out in droves. The support was great.

We are driven to prayer when the times of our lives challenge us to put our faith to the test. Love always wins.

We told you "Welcome Back Father Mike" while we were walking down the stairs. The line was so packed I knew the baby would not wait patiently. I consider it the price that I pay. I know what is important and the people/church love and need you. God is good and I am thankful for so many blessings that I have received. I think  know now my role and how I really fit in all of this.  am where I am suppose to be.

I am watching the Soweto Gospel Choir on PBS. Its very nice.

Well I am officially on vacation now, at least for this week. I keep myself busy so that I don't have a lot of time to think about my relationship. It makes me sad.

Be blessed tonight and be a blessing. Welcome Back.

Rejuvenation

Its often amazing to think that God is working in our lives everyday. His plans are always in motion. We just have to learn the lesson. We stay life long learners. Never stop learning. Never stop being willing to learn something new.  Stay open to everything. Stay grounded in God.

Anger Management

I have had a not so good afternoon.

While driving home today two trucks almost smashed me together. I honked my horn, gave him the finger and said some really bad stuff to him. I meant it too. After I said it I saw my stained glass cross just swinging away on the rear view mirror. I apologized to God and then felt bad about the example I had just set. How can I say I love him in heaven when I don't love his image here on earth. I'm sure those truckers don't really know God though.

Then I had a heated discussion with my mother, which of course its always about the bills and how she feels I should be paying for everything.

I have such a headache right now. I got my allergy shots and they always give me a headache. I have to baby sit tonight but the babysitter wasn't at her house when I wanted to pick him up so I have to go back later. Then there is the fact that I have to get up at 5 am and then return tomorrow morning for the last day of PD. I am so through with today. So through with today. I still have to keep it together because I have to go pick him up still. Keep it together, keep it together, keep it together.

It's Good To Hear You

It was good to see you and hear you. It was good to be seen by you.

I have training all this week. I wont be there tomorrow. I'm sure that's no surprise but I always like to think that I will be there one day.

How was your day today? Last night was really good. He had some wonderful examples of how they manage conflict. That is such a big problem in school. Just the littlest thing and they want to fight. Most of them learn this from home. When we talk about how they resolve conflict, we ask what is told in the home, what did mom or dad say to do and for most they are told "to beat them till they bleed". "Knock em out". "Don't leave nobody standing". They are constantly told not to be a punk, pushover or chump. We tell them its ok to not fight. We don't have to fight all the time. Lets not fight about anything,

Its just terrible about all the flooding. I'm watching the news and I know this is not the end of it. Homes, lives, futures are in jeopardy. I have to pray for them. Pray that the sandbags will hold.

Well two more days and then my vacation will begin.

God bless you tonight. Be blessed and be a blessing to someone tonight.

The Beginning of Something New

The beginning of something new. You have had a time to reflect, fast and do some introspective work on yourself. After all of that, you get to come back and prepare for the next steps. Discipleship cost, are you ready? This is the beginning of a new era for you. You don't get to look back, you move forward.

You get to build, build, build. Your legacy will include your ability to fight and to negotiate and to make the right choice for all concerned. You protected your faith community when you needed to be the shepard.You came out of this stronger and wiser I'm sure of that.

Be blessed tonight and be a blessing to someone. I bet you will sleep well tonight. You'll be in your own bed. You get to roam around your own things again.

Hello

How's you day going?

Happy Father's Day.

I pray that all is well with you.

I know you are looking forward to tomorrow. The Shepard comes back to the sheep.

This has been a long two weeks, but none the less you have made it through.

I knew you were close but I didn't know you were that close.

What a night it was on Friday.

I pray that as the summer heats up more children will come. The fact that they had only gotten out that day, I don't think they were ready to find any activities to occupy their time just yet. Wait till next week.

My computer has been acting up lately. I just have to remember that I am not the only one on my computer.The girls are on it because its so convient.

I am so glad that school is out. This week I have PD every day. My real break doesn't begin until next week. At least Friday is a half day.

My summer is so short. I wonder what the kids will do since they are coming back so early. Where will they get their supplies and stuff? August 5th is just six weeks away.

What about us? Another summer is here. Will we see improved communications. I pray that we do. Will we have Jazz in the Park? Will we go to the lakefront? Life is so short.

Be blessed tonight and be a blessing to someone.

Men of The Breaking Heart Club

With Father's Day coming there must be men out there who are saddened by the fact that they are not the best that they can be. Others who are mourning the fact that dad is not here and those who are with their dad and find each day a treasure.

Men who have been in the presence of God and lived to tell about it. The natural pursuit of God.

Voice

In the beginning was the word

 and the word was with God

 and the word was God.

John is teaching us that God is talking to us all the time. Communicating thoughts through words. Words, words, words. What words do we say when we speak. Do we really let our thoughts come out in words. Do we really want them to come out when we speak? I think we do. We want others to know we can articulate our thoughts and that we are able to communicate our true feelings.

Good Morning

Good Morning

I would just like to take time to let you know I care.

I AM IN THE LAST DAYS OF SCHOOL AND ITS VERY HECTIC.

I look forward to Friday. I pray that God will guide me during this break. There are so many options for professional development and we must not forget the national board certification. I'm ready for a vacation about now. Just to get my head focused and gain some clarity. Right now its just go, go, go.

Be blessed today and be a blessing to someone special.

How have you been successful today?

What does success mean to you? Have you placed that success on material things? Do people encourage or discourage your success?When you step back and look at your life do you find that you are pleased with your choices? What would you change and what would you keep the same? What is really important to you? What makes you feel important?That's more than enough for us to ponder. Have a good night and be blessed.

You Should Be Proud

Your cabinet has done very well under your tutelage. They have presented themselves as professionals and I believe they handled themselves very well with the top boss. I pray that there is sincerity in wanting to improve relations with the faith community.

I feel the hate mail should be brought to the forefront. Pasted on the doors and boards. Displayed to the public. This is what happened with the civil rights movement. Until the ugliness of the fire hoses and dogs, the beatings on the Pettis Bridge, the horrible shouts at the Little Rock Nine, until these things were exposed and the world was able to see the ugliness of their racism, and the effects of their indifference, no one believes its really that bad. Right now you are in a sort of seclusion. Somewhat isolated from harm. I pray that you are not experiencing any difficulty, at least no more than can be expected. This is a learning experience for you and I pray that business as usual is not what comes out of this. We have so much to offer, yet we seem to ride the fence. We don't want to really be united. We want things our way or the highway. When do we compromise or even concede that God is in control and that we must allow Him to do his work. God bless you tonight and may you continue to communicate your needs and your desires.

Hello

I just want to talk to you right now. Just talk. Just bond together. We should meet. We should talk.

How do we use money

What do we do with the money that we do have:? Not our tithes but the money that we have after the tithes? Are we responsible with our own money?

Today was so warm. I bought the children freeze pops. We dont have air conditioning and the fact that we are on the third floor just adds to our distress. I think the heat must be on, its too hot to just be from the air. We are counting down the days.

What will you do for love? What is the craziest thing that you have done? What is so important to you.

I wonder how the meeting with the cardinal went? Were they able to secure a return for you? Will this be what you need and want right now? I pray that it is what you want.

I pray that you have what you want. This is the first time you have had a  very public reprimand. You have handled this very well. You are not verbaly difiant or disrespectful. You are willing to keep the peace. I admire that in you.You are an amazing man.

Can we get onthe path of something more loving?

Where is your treasure

For where your treasure is there your heart will be also. The eye is the lamp of the body. - Matthew 6:21-22

What is it that we see that we want?  What are we coveting here on earth that we will not have in heaven? Where is our heart's desire?

What are you doing with your time? Its like the time when you test your students. You have to watch your faith community walk on its own two feet. We know that all is well and good but can we handle the forced independence? Will we falter or will we stand tall? Will we make you proud? How do you prepare a community that really loves and depends on you to fly on its own? Do they make you proud or do you see the flaws?

Be blessed tonight and be a blessing to yourself.

Reflection

I have to confess that I have had mixed emotions.

I see so much in your future. I know that you feel so vulnerable now. Probably just raw like someone has taken a steel rake and just gone over your whole body. But I see a new you emerging from this. I think about the possibilities.

 The opportunities for you and me. Turning lemons into lemonade.  Is that wrong of me? I'm not going to stress on that. I am thinking of the situations that make me happy and what I want in my life and if I can grow with that thought then I will. If I want to change my circumstances then I have to change my thinking.

If I expect a change and then one happens, I have to look at it as something good. I look at this as something good. I expect good things to happen and my expectations are powerful. I expect the things I want and I don't expect the things I don't want.

Create the new pictures for your life. What is it that you see for yourself. What do you really want? Are you willing to take a chance on your future? you have so much living ahead of you. I am just so grateful for everything in my life. Thank You God for everything in my life and for my future.

Godly Sorrow

2 Corinthians 7:10 - GODLY SORROW BRINGS REPENTANCE THAT LEADS TO SALVATION AND LEAVES NO REGRET, BUT WORLDLY SORROW BRINGS DEATH. SEE WHAT THIS GODLY SORROW HAS PRODUCED IN YOU: WHAT EARNESTNESS, WHAT EAGERNESS TO CLEAR YOURSELVES, WHAT INDIGNATION, WHAT ALARM, WHAT LONGING, WHAT CONCERN, WHAT READINESS TO SEE JUSTICE DONE. AT EVERY POINT YOU HAVE PROVED YOURSELVES TO BE INNOCENT IN THIS MATTER.  

 

We encourage you to find yourself during this time. Do not dwell on the negative. You are not going to grow in wisdom and truth if you are blaming yourself for a stupid mistake. Ignorant and self absorbed people want to see you punished. The cardinal did the next best thing, he gave you a leave of absence. I believe it to be only two weeks but this is only my belief. You have come to a junction, a crossroads in your life where you are assessing every single moment, everything that you have ever been through to get you to this very point in life. You get to create your destiny. How much more do you need to do? How much more do you need to get?  No one else can sing your song or write your story as well as you. I believe that you are great and that great things are and will continue to happen to you. Regardless of how old you think you are, you have an opportunity to look forward. When one door closes another one opens. There is a power in you greater than the all the negativity of the world. Sometimes its very hard to pull that energy up, but you must. You must love yourself right now and value the reflective time that you will have. What will come of this I do not know but I do know that you have to remember that the birds sing for you, the flowers bloom for you, the sun rises for you. Look around you and notice something you didn't see before. Take your power back. Know the truth of who you really are. Let your love shine through. I love you and I am praying for you. I pray that you get what you want, whatever that may be.  Be blessed tonight and be a blessing to someone special, yourself.

Action and Thoughts

 

Thoughts and actions go together. We think about something and then we are either persuaded to act upon it or we discard the thought for a new one. Thoughts create the words we speak, the feelings we feel and the actions we take. Do our innermost thoughts reflect what we really want? Are we saying one thing and doing another. Start saying what we want and change our actions to reflect just that.

When you want to attract something in your life make sure your actions don't do the exact opposite. Believe that you have received what you have asked for. God knows the power that we have. Jesus could pray and he would receive. He never had a problem believing that he received what he prayed for. Faith in prayers. See yourself doing just what it is that you want to do. The power in our thoughts, and feelings and our actions. We can and do influence many people. We have to enjoy our own company before we can expect others to enjoy our company.  Do you treat yourself the way you want others to treat you? Do you love yourself? Your actions are your most powerful thoughts. Treat yourself with love and respect and love and respect will come to you. Love and respect yourself and you will receive love and respect. It sounds so simple. Only think about how you can love and respect yourself and you will find more love and respect in your life. On that note I will leave you to your thoughts. I hope you are feeling better. Be blessed tonight and be a blessing to someone.

A Good Day

I don't think it could have gone much better. You were loved today and you showed love. We love you. I love you and you must love you.

You are going through some hard times right now. God doesn't give us any more than we can handle. We have to remember that in order to handle it we have to give up control and let God do it.

I know your day was long. Unity Sunday and Graduation.

Please take care of yourself. You don't have to prove anything to anybody. You don't owe anyone any explanations.

You are loved so deeply. Never, ever doubt that.

Be blessed and be a blessing to someone special, yourself.