Inspiring Sunday....

Inspiring Body of Christ Church, with Pastor Rickie Rush, has two services: 7:30 am & 11:00 am. I usually trek to the 11am, except for today. Made it to 7:30 am service and feel blessed that I did!  Now I gotta admit, I am not so much a morning person....especially on a weekend!

When I pulled into the parking lot, I was surprised the number of cars. I mean, it was 7:30 on Sunday morning! I digress on all of this...

The jest of this story is once I got into church, I felt good. I had the chance to sit in an almost up on the pulpit seat-which I like...and celebrated in Pastor Rush's continued message of demons working their way into our life in such a smooth way we don't realize it until too late. Yes, we can tell the demons to get out of us.

But what if the demons don't go?

That's when Pastor Rush said how the problem is part of the process for the promise. I believe those words more than I ever have.

I am blessed.

Sunday Good

Trekked to get my Praise and Hallelujah at IBOC, aka Inspiring Body of Christ Church today, with Pastor Rickie Rush doin' the preachin' as only he can. Once again, the message Pastor Rush brought was right on time! How does that happen? Goes to show God knows all thoughts. Pastor Rush asked us if we try to impress or impact those around us?  Do we say we walk in Christ, shout hallelujah, throw our hands up in the air to like we do care, yet our actions may show otherwise?  When folks know you walk in Christ, they wait for us to slip up. Yea. I know this one REAL good.
***Pastor Rush spoke of how we don't need to be talking all about our past to show how wild and cool we usta to be. That is all about trying to impress. That's all about what I have tried to do these last couple weeks with co-workers. Heck, I know how old I am--I remember vinyl, and I know how old some of my co-workers are--like they could be my grown kids. Anyway, sometimes I felt left out of conversations, I mean, don't we all want to be involved?  My co-workers, born in the late 70's and early 80's spoke about  going out, sex, drinking, yadda yadda.  Well, I use to go out too, right? Key word there is 'use to'--anyway, I told them a couple three or four stories. 
*****They gasped. Could not believe I EVER did stuff like that. It's also like Pastor Rush spoke today. The younger set really can't see you at their age. Or put you in that situation. Hey, I see how I usta be as plain as day and forget, the younger set sees me as a true grown up, their mom and/or big sister--not somebody who disco'd to Donna Summer in spandex skirt and four inch heels. So my co-workers asked me about stuff I so dusted behind some dresser drawer and forgot about. For a few minutes, I was part of the chit chat and the 'cool mom'. Yet when it was over, I felt kind of uneasy. I'm not exactly that person anymore, nor do I really want to pretend to be. Yea, it made me feel good for a few minutes with my co-workers, but then the reality was they would still go out and I'd still be in bed by 10:30 PM. What good was it?  I admit it was all to impress, not impact. My flesh, not my spirit was doing the talking. 
****Which brings me back to part of the Pastor Rush's message and one of my 'a-ha' moment. Was I bringing them some of my testimony or what?  They know I am a born again Christian. I've told them that without God I would not be here today. The co-workers listen, yet not so many questions yet.  If I go on and keep telling them about my back in the Bad Mama Jamma days--I need to check myself  for my own  motives.  
***Do I just want to impress so I could be part of their (and others') reindeer games, or do I want to make an impact? Even if there are  folks who don't like what I say, yet for whatever reason they keep talking, text and can't forget what I said? The impact would come from the God's influence on me for me take it forward. I want to make the impact that keeps on ticking.
***Another good thing was Reverend Glen Jones came up to me and said he'd found my blog. Reverend Jones read some of my posts when Pastor Rush was on his little medical leave. Felt good to get the acknowledgement and all that is to give God all the Glory.  
***Oh and the fishies in the photo?  It is one of the smaller aquariums in Inspiring Body of Christ Church--aka MY church!  
I am blessed. 

Shine On

This is one of the views from my backyard. Got up and headed to my church, Inspiring Body of Christ, with a bit of curiosity. Today was the first Sunday, for at least a month, Pastor Rickie Rush would not be there to deliver the Message. Pastor Rush underwent spinal surgery earlier this week. To get to his issue, the surgeons would go thru Pastor Rush's esophagus and vocal chords.

Pastor is on the mend, and I need not have worried about today. Service was great--with 200+ men being the choir and Rev. Glen Jones brought the Message on home! He spoke how were are in the process of a promise. Once again the Message was right on time!

As for this picture, it does let me know where my strength comes from....

I am blessed.

Sweetheart Stuff

On this Day of Sweethearts and Love, the first person I see, as I saunter into the church's sanctuary was Bear. Don't think we've spoken or seen each other since before Christmas. Nice chat. I got on him why he doesn't mess with his Facebook Page much. We laughed--which was ironic, because part of today's message from Pastor Rickie Rush of Inspiring Body of Christ Church, was to make sure you haven't forgotten how to laugh. And Bear wished me a Happy Valentine's Day-so all in all, quite pleasant. Good to see him. Hope he felt the same

Then I sat by a woman, who had on a black suit I complimented her on. We started to chat and I found she works for Dallas school district in an area I would have interest in once I finished my studies. Opened my eyes, anyway. We laughed how we made it thru the week. How her car's starter went out but she made it back to Dallas from Austin, before it died. We found out we were both single on this Valentine's Day and laughed about that. She going to fix herself shrimp fried rice. I announced I was gonna do pasta, plus I had Blue Bell Tin Roof Ice Cream in my freezer. Said she hadn't thought of Blue Bell, but may hafta to get herself some. Good conversation

Only been since Valentine's Day 2004, that I felt it was OK to be single on this day. Hey, who wouldn't flowers and the whole shebang for Valentine's Day--I like chocolate peanut clusters as much as anyone! Alas sometimes it just doesn't happen that way. And it's OK. I've learned to treat myself, buy flowers for me, and do good for me--it's the sweet in your heart kinda thing to do: love yourself.

Enjoy your day!

Sundown

Planned to clean my kitchen and bathroom after I came home from getting my praise on at Inspiring Body of Christ Church. Honestly, the message, Pastor Rickie Rush, preached, was up my alley--you wonder about your blessing. Your behaviour when you go thru a storm. It all hit--as usual. After all that I planned to do stuff, including to work on my novella. .

Well, none of that got done.

What did I do?

Spent way over an hour "chatting" with two different chums on Facebook. One has known me since we were 15, and resides in Iowa. The other chum I met approximately 15 years ago, when we worked at the same company here in Dallas, where she remains. Even tho the chats were different, they were quite the same.

Enjoyed and smiled at memories of the relationships. Good and bad times with both. Yet, all in all, I am glad I spent Sunday chatting with old friends. I could hear our laughs through the computer. Both know me from different times of my life, yet both know me well.

The kitchen and bathroom can wait. As one of my chums quoted Katie Scarlett O'Hara, "Tomorrow is another day!"

Nice frosting for this cake of a day.

I thank Him for this one.

Resolution Run Down

Yes, I drank my 74 ounces of water today. And I also told a couple chums one of my 20101 is:

Not to make the excuses of others justify why I don't do something.

For me, to follow my dreams aka to work on the gifts He gave me. This means alot. As much as I love my chums, I did/do make their excuses justify mine. I've not utilized my time well, especially when it comes to writing, because of this action. Can't change the past, yet I can make a difference for today and tomorrow. Chums' excuses assisted my self doubts to grow. Those doubts lead me to the nearest plate of dee-lishus fried onion rings instead of sliced fresh onions to waltz on my salad topped with Roasted Red Pepper Vinegarette salad dressing. One is dee-lish-US, while the other is dee-lish-US-y good for you. It can work.

Tis my main resolution. Hang tuff with that, I got it made.

Gotta put the trash by the curb and will do my best to leave some self doubt there too!

How about you?

Psst...hang with me while I put a photo of cutie pie, Dallas Cowboy Miles Austin! This guy, along with # 24 Marion Barber, have my heart. Dallas Cowboys shut out the Philadelphia Eagles 24-0 yesterday. And I think the same outcome can happen on Saturday night as they battle in the Wildcard game. Stay tuned!

Almost Done

And I am so grateful. Usually don't want to wish my life away, yet this year-THIS year -sucked.

I ain't gonna pretty it up.

Yes, I know am blessed He let me see another year. Each day I thanked Him for the breath in my body. Things could have been worse...

Really-Could they?

Yes, they could. However, this year--I swear, was worse than the year, of my little open-heart surgery. Yes, 2009. The year wasn't all I wanted, like better job, more money, so I'm not a frequent shopper at the Dollar Store, or a successful writing career-although He made sure I had what I needed. Even tho we disagreed on what I think I needed. :)

Yea, yea, for the folks that have known me back in the day, remember past New Year's Eves where, the partying was drown with booze, music and just the moment of that time and space. Hey, I had fun and the BEST NYE' ever: the party in the chicken coop during my senior year in high school! Trust me--it worked well--the whole town was there! :) And here I'm talking about doing for God. Surprises some still--I'm sure.

2009 brought me through alot. It's almost done. And I couldn't be happier. Just six hours away, as I script this. Look forward to it, because I am looking forward. Been to the landfill, now it's time to FILL the land with the gifts been given us.

Happy New Year--Almost!

On This Day...

A child was born

And brought forth the true

Reason for this Season

Merry Christmas!!

Sunday Connect

Got my Praise on today. That was a good thing. Pastor Rickie Rush, of Inspiring Body of Christ Church, spoke of re-connecting. How love isn't so much a feeling as it is a choice. Made me think about Bear.

Why? Well, Bear was the last man I spoke serious "let's get married" with. At that time, tho--Bear announced we could move back to Iowa, live off 30 grand between us, and write to our hearts content. Live like Bohemians, he said. Honestly, my Dad was in the last few months of his life, and Bear knew how close my Dad and I were. In addition, Bear was also from the Midwest--yet, I knew the "let's get married" thing wasn't gonna happen. I recall asking him if he was drunk or high. :) What I'm getting at is the choice of love--I think we both made a choice in that area. So today, just like clock work--as the hundreds, of folks came into the church, Bear and I ran into each other.

He was talking to someone, so I just extended my hand to shake his, as I walked into the sanctuary. Well, Bear took my hand and pulled me towards him. I had one foot off the floor, because it took me by surprise, as Bear pulled me into a bearhug. In way, it was a re-connect, even tho we'd both made choices elsewhere.

A chum of mine had suggested writing a story of a past relationship that's hard to put down. The one with Bear would be a prime candidate. However, I have a couple stories just screaming to get out. And as the late, great E Lynn Harris said, if we don't write what's eating us up, it'll mess up our life! I do believe that!

The story with Bear--not sure I'd make the choice of a happy ending or not. Dependes on the degree of re-connect.

Stay tuned.

Sunday Inspiring Body and Spirit

I am exhausted.
Didn't think to go get My Praise on would do it to me. Yep. It was the first official service in the new Inspiring of Body of Christ Church today, with Pastor Rickie Rush. I've heard tell the church's aquarium is now part of the World's Guinness Book of Records. If it is, cool--if not--well, I'm still in awe of the stingray as it swims by.

The main thing is Pastor Rickie Rush. I've been honest to say, through the years, Pastor Rickie Rush has been quite an acquired taste for me. However today, I believe we've finally met in the middle. He's always been a man cool and collected. Words have been thrown at Pastor Rickie Rush and the church like swords. Hey, I'm adult to admit I've thrown some of those words. Yet today, I feel the emotion of getting the new House built, plus to over come the negativity and just to have the flock gathered--finally--got to the Pastor. He cried. Not just a dab here or a lone tear. He cried.

Yea, yea, yea--some folk will disagree. That is their opinion, which I do respect-as I hope they respect mine.

Church wore me out today. As I walked up the aisle to exit, I went straight to Bear, who is a Servant of the Church, and instigated a hug. Bear asked if I was OK. I was whipped. The message and the emotion made me remember nobody knows my story. They don't know what I had to go thru to get here. Bear knows some--I perhaps wanted that connection. No matter what--it's all good.

I am blessed.

And Wrap

Drank my water.

Talked myself into NOT adopting a puppy dog. Yet got info to volunteer for the puppy dog rescue during adoption days.

Ate pumpkin pie. Now tired of pumpkin.

Pondered the thought of writing a brand new story, instead of re-visiting an already written short story. What I oughta do is sit down and just write another book.

In the meantime, I wrap up this Saturday with a big bow and send it off to memory land, for it is about done.

A good day had by all.

Single Stuffing

Happy Thanksgiving!

My day continues to be grand--and I hope yours is too!

A day to be thankful, even if more than one of your married friends ask you if you're going to be alone for the holiday. Of course, there is no harm meant. And there was a point in my singleness where I just HAD to be at homebody's house, just had to be somewhere because of whatever holiday it was. That whole thought process took a while to get over...a LONG time.

Sure, who wouldn't want to be with a special someone on a special day? Fight over a turkey leg or sigh in contentment over candied sweet potatoes? Hey, I know I'm not the only one in that choir--although--it ain't such a bad choir to be in. After spending time with folks that mean well, and you know you're gonna get a good meal and after the meal is gone-.then what? They're not your family. Not your kids that begin to fuss and not your cat that bit your ankle. Folks mean well. And you're blessed they want to share their home with you. Yet there are times an invite can be turned down--I've learned that and you still remain to be friends.

Today my 'food' started like it has every Thanksgiving Morning since 2003: get my praise on at Inspiring Body of Christ Church, with Pastor Rickie Rush. The locale today was a bit different as 2009 inches to the finish line. Today was the first ever service in the new Home--just right across the street from the old one.

The second person I hug at church was Bear. Might have surprised him, since I came right at him for the hug. After I sat down, I then wondered if I'd done the right thing--to hug him. And then I thought, "Well I can't take it back." And frankly, I didn't want to. It's Thanksgiving. Eventho Bear and I aren't the same as we were those years ago, Bear had such an impact on my life, good and/or bad--so I am thankful for him.

The new IBOC Home is gi-normous Thank YOU in itself. I wondered if some of the intimacy might be lost. I don't think I need to worry. Tears still found their way down my cheek as Vicki Winans sang of "Release," while I sat in one of the last rows of the sanctuary, where it was better to watch her on the big screen. Yes, the new Home is gonna do just fine!

Now if you will 'cuse me, pun'kin pie awaits!

I am blessed.

Sunday Sum Up

The Iowa Hawkeyes won ugly 12-0. Dallas Cowboys won ugly 7-6. Yet a win is a win regardless how it looks. Still...

Today were the last services at the current location of the Inspiring Body of Christ Church, with Pastor Rickie Rush. Packed isn't even the adjective to describe how many people were there. Everybody wanted to share in the last moments of being inside. To experience the journey. Like I've said, Pastor Rickie Rush has been an acquired taste for me. And there are some things he says, I'm not 100% with, however that's when I know I have free will at my fingertips. Nonetheless, I admire Pastor Rush because it's been a struggle to get this new House built. Media has not been kind, even those that may have once been IBOC members. He weathered it all.

So on Thanksgiving morning, I will journey to the new location--right across the street--100 yards. The same distance Moses stood from the Promised Land he did not have the chance to enter. The new House looks beautiful. I've attended the Thanksgiving Service since 2003--my tradition. As I sat in service today, I wondered again why I haven't technically joined IBOC--especially since I've been in attendance every Sunday since about August? I continue to pray on that one. Yet, Pastor Rush spoke of how we have something about us that folks think make us not normal--however those very things we use to touch others.

In my case, I was born without a left ear (microtia), then becoming a motherless daughter at 13 and enduring pesky open heart surgery a few years ago. It all made sense. The things that have happened of late--even today. From folks I've known since my growing up years, who enjoy my quotes from The Word on every Sunday morning. These were folks I partied hard with back in the day--and today I smile, because we party--just in a different way. .

So I was in a pissy mood a few days ago. Nothing I can do about it. Already happened. Already done. And it was all pretty ugly--just like the two football games I DVR'd because I wasn't home--and watched in their entirety-not knowing who won or lost.

Games were ugly. Victory triumphed. Just like in Life.

I am blessed.

Friday Feel

It is the weekend. Am so glad. Was pretty pissed the other day.
Eased up--well, trying to anyway. One of those moments
Where you try to think of THE moment
You called yourself taking control-
Instead of to leave all your troubles in God's hands.
Kinda scarey, when I realized when I had that 'moment.'
So now as I'm at another crossroads where my trust
Needs to be in Him. I need to repeat Psalms 50:15
Am I smart enough, more so
Humble enough to admit I can't conquer on my own?
How I am so sick and tired of being sick and tired?
Life is a banquet and I refuse to starve myself.
Stay tuned.
In the meantime, I'm feeling a little Michael Jackson and Corner of the Sky...RIP MJ

Sunday Short

My oh my. The Dallas Cowboys lose to Green Bay today. I'm honest, there was about 5:48 in the game when Tony Romo was intercepted on the goal line. I switched over to my FiOS On Demand to watch the "Desperate Housewives" episode to get me caught up. The coming week on Dallas sports radio--I ain't gonna listen.

Both my teams lost this weekend. Iowa Hawkeyes start out 9-0 and are not destined for the Rose Bowl. And the Dallas Cowboys--my oh my, not happy am I.

I could go on and on--yes, I got my praise on today at Inspiring Body of Christ Church. As much as I've grown in a positive accustom to Pastor Rickie Rush-I have yet to join IBOC. Could be commitment to that church? My previous church home, of five years, I didn't join either--althought I was there every Sunday. Participated in ministries, including adult Sunday school. More prayer needed.

In the meantime, I'm sad about my teams. Both SHOULD have been victorious. I am heartsick, really. What mends a broken heart?

Blue Bell Ice Cream. And tonight Coffee flavored will heal all.

Sun Shine Day

Walked into a grocery store this afternoon, and saw not one, nor two, but THREE decorated and lit up Christmas Trees! What is UP with that? It' is about 75 degrees here--and I'm sorry, the Halloween CANDY isn't even all gone for the clearance bins yet!! UGH. Too bad Blue Bell Ice Cream wasn't on sale, then I remembered I had plenty in my freezer-My Blue Bell will make Christmas Five Minutes After Halloween more tolerable.

Get this, at Inspiring Body of Christ Church today, we all lifted our bibles to the music of "Beat It"--yes, MJ's song--however we said, "Read It." Trust me, it worked. On top of that, Pastor Rickie Rush spoke how sometimes when we hurt, we direct our pain to other people and focus on ourselves or even direct it towards God--which can make us bitter. The healing can hurt, yet the Holy Spirit soothes. The soothing feels nice.

And when the sun is gone for this day, I'll be plopped right in front of the TV to watch the Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles battle it for 1st place in the NFC East. Will Tony Romo and Roy Williams connect on passes--FINALLY? Will Miles Austin keep taking it to the house? Will Patrick Crayton prove once again, if a man loses 2 jobs, he proves WHY he is a star? Will Marion Barber realize I'm his biggest fan? Will Blue Bell's Coffee Flavored Ice Cream charm my tummy?

'cuse me, while I go enjoy this Sunday Sunshine before it disappears from view.

Stay tuned.

Thursday and Almost

Friday.

Call me vain. I like my new profile photo. Always hated getting my picture snapped due to forever having a crooked mouth. That was due to being born with microtia (one ear) and missing some bone and such on the left side of my face. And then when I had the stroke that wasn't a stroke, right before I had the little open-heart surgery adventure-the side of my mouth drooped some. Still kinda does. Paranoid, at times, I am about it.

Then I see my profile pic. I look happy in this photo. As I am flat broke. 100 cats (well, not really). Wish for a new, and better house buying experience--or maybe I just want a clean house? Or a wish for a written and finished finished novel by ME. And a business to call my own. And to tickle a cute kitty's tummy. All good.

And in new profile photo I appear like I have all that and more.

Yep. Call me vain. I like it.

I am blessed.

Sunday SunDOWN

It is 6:30 pm as I write this. Out my window all I see is a canvas of midnight black. Yea, we set the clocks last night. Is there STILL a reason for Standard and Daylight Savings Time? Like back 70 or so years ago? Why still NOW? Sure, it'll be lighter in the morning--yet there is something about the sky being dark by an eventual 5:00PM it seems. GRR.

Anyway.

Got my praise on today. The all-male choir praised and rocked and the spirit was felt through out that place. Pastor Rickie Rush, the Inspiring Body of Christ Church, said, "Change is a process, not an event." I don't always agree with what Pastor Rush says, although those words stuck with me. We need to take a wellness check and admit there's something wrong with US-seems to hold us back from blessings, while others seem to be able and get theirs---maybe something in our past. Gives me pause to ponder. I think of my mom's death when I was 13 and also the not so much encouragement received from my step-mother, when I wanted and needed a female roll model. All makes sense. Yep--to ponder and learn from.

So as the dark sky so early at night bums me, I see IOWA is #8 on Top 25. I believe they don't get enough credit. Sure, they may not be on Florida or 'bama's turf, however the QB threw 4 picks in one quarter and were behind 21-7. That same QB led the Iowa Hawkeyes to a 42-24 win in the next quarter. Even without the less than stellar officiating, would the score been that much different? Lou Holtz, on ESPN, said Iowa only impressed him with their win over Penn State! Gee, Lou--I thought good teams figure out a way to win. Stay tuned.

And my Dallas Cowboys won--soundly--over Seattle! Felt nice to watch. Miles Austin can smile for any time and I'd help Marion Barber braid his hair-anytime! coffee.

All in all--a great day. Sun did shine ALOT today. GORGEOUS. Now if you will excuse me, gotta try this Starbucks Mocha Frappucino ice cream which awaits in my freezer. Certainly, will aid in my being bummed of sky being dark by 6:30PM.

Sunday Short

Got my praise on today, at Inspiring Body of Christ Church, with Pastor Rickie Rush. The message was how we know we are in our due time. And of course, one way especially hit me right upside my head. Oprah would call it an 'a-ha' moment. It is: When we don't push, pull or politic, the doors open.

I did these things-.ALOT with my relationships with me. Ask Bear. Yet, I didn't realize how much I did it until time had passed. and the relationship had long ceased. Sure, I wanted and needed a strong man. And these men were strong, in their own, and I did indeed want them. Alas, they weren't the men I needed. So, I'd push, pull and politic--and pout. :) Never could figure out why things didn't quite work out how I desired. Want and need are two so very different things. Live and learn.

OK--as for the doors open, I'm still in awe of the Iowa Hawkeyes 4th and goal with :02 left in the game win last night over Michigan State. The Hawks are 8-0. First time ever! They find a way to win-no push, pull or politic or blocked punt...the doors are open. Love it and GO HAWKS!

Now, I gotta plop in the front of the TV for some Dallas Cowboys and Atlanta Falcons tussle on the gridiron. Splurged today, and forgo the salad thru the game. Yep--I decided to bring on home the best burger from THE best burger place in Dallas: Burger Island. And yes, I'll still get down my 74 ounces of water.

In the meantime, football awaits as He still gets my praise.

I am blessed.

And So Sunday

Miles Austin is the new hero of the Dallas Cowboy's OT win over the winless Kansas City Chiefs. Gotta admit Miles looked migthy good and I think Roy Williams may need to try just a little bit harder in practice..

And the day--GREAT message delivered by Rickie Rush, of the Inspiring Body of Christ Church, on the time God gets your ready, while Satan tries to keep you down. As with Fear. God doesn't give us fear, alas Satan uses it so we don't put our trust in The One who is there always. I think of when my mom passed when I was just 13, and of decisions I made, including those about Bear. God has always been there, yet I let fear over take me. And I would decide to do things myself-WRONG. GREAT message!

Now on this Sunday, as it swirls down, I know how good it will be to listen to sports radio for the next couple weeks, especially since the Cowboys have their bye week next Sunday. Miles Austin will have his fame and all La-Z-Boy QB's will have their say. Since a Cowboy victory is involved they can talk ALL they want!

I am blessed.