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 Still

Lightening flashes.
Rain falls.
Dallas Cowboys beat San Francisco today-
With the new hero of Jessie Holley was crowned-
Will make the listen to Sports Radio easier this week.
My college teams, Iowa Hawkeyes and Iowa State Cyclones won
Had a great time with chums this weekend
And today at the Inspiring Body of Christ Church,
Got my praise and hallelujah amen on, so I tell ya that
Even when storms may cloud life
Life is so good.

Easter Today...

The picture is me,

on an Easter Sunday about 100 years ago. I remember that hat--I HATED that hat. It kept falling off my head. I think the plastic string was busted. Those gloves---uck. Yea, let's just say I pretty hated the whole outfit, which included hair!
The church, Bethel Baptist, was literally right across the street from my house. I'm sure I had a bible verse to recite, which I'm sure I may have messed up. Nerves. Back then and for alot of years, I was not thrilled going to church, on Easter or any Sunday for that fact.
Why? I didn't like the way I was treated. I seemed to be an outcast. Never seemed to be like the other kids. I was singled out. So Church was always not a fun place for me. Nothing to do with my belief in Him--just made sure I had other things to do.
Fast forward to Easter 2011. The last nine consecutive Easter Sundays I've attended church, because I WANT to. Today was no different. Not a seat empty in the sanctuary, which translated into over 4000. I can't explain the electricity that zips thru the room. Alot of us our "At This Level" t-shirt on. We're not a fancy church, yet we are on one accord. For the first time, I was in the first row. That is something--and yes I was close to the pulpit.
Today is what I needed. Stuff on my mind fries me. The blessings that are ready to break through. Felt good to be there. Sure, some stuff the Pastor does, I disagree with and he understands--all in all, the Inspiring Body of Christ Church is my Home away from home.

The Day After

Christmas, that is. Just happened to be a Sunday with the chill in the air, yet the sun did shine. Made it to Inspiring Body of Christ Church today--for the second day in a row. Pastor Rickie Rush asked all the kids home from college to sit up front. Before that happened, and before I moved to give way to them, I sat by a young lady you workd on her PHd in Chemical Engineering. I told her, if I'd known here in high school--oh, I would have cheated off her in every math class.

One of the thing Pastor Rush touch on, was being a leader. The journey we need to go through to get there. How we may overlook was God has planned for us, because we go our own way. Another thing Pastor Rush said that hit home, if we want folks to quit thinking of us one particular way, we need to quit talking about it. I liked that.

Then there was a woman I spoke to, asked me if I head up othe PTA and what grade I taught in school. I told her my interest of working with high risk kids.

All good on This Day After Christmas.

I am blessed.

Relationships

My mind is overwhelmed. Relationships.
How I've I've known men who are grown, yet I've met grown men.
There's a difference. And I prefer the grown men.

Remember male lead guy in the play I went to go see: "Blues In The Night?" Wasn't really a love connection, yet the opportunity to become good friends. In fact, I saw the play a second time yesterday. He didn't know I was there, and that was kinda cool. Why?

Because here's a guy who lives his passion. Acting. Singing. I could see it. He's only about one of a handful of friends who actually do what they absolutely love. And this guy could maybe be a good friend of mine. To give insight and support to my own walk on my path of passions: i.e. writing.

Well, last night, we texted up til about the moment he hit the stage at 8PM--to 7:56 to be precise. In the conversation, he tells me he's going back to NYC on Monday, at 8:30AM. I'm like "Huh?" I knew he was going back. He's lived there for about a decade. His family is here in Dallas, and the plan was to be in Dallas for just a couple weeks--and that was January. So yea, it was time.

So I'm fortunate to have met him. I am bummed because he doesn't know when he'll be back, and I thought 'Drat, there goes my chat over cappuccino."

Relationships have a reason for their own season. Ours may have just been just for these 15 minutes of fame. The male lead guy impacted me in positive way I hadn't felt in awhile. Then at MY church, Inspiring of Body Christ with Pastor Rickie Rush said we don't always DREAM BIG.

My new chum who heads to another time zone tomorrow showed me how Big dreams DO come true.

I am blessed.

So Sunday All That

Got my Praise ON today at my church, Inspiring Body of Christ Church (IBOC) for short. The message, by Pastor Rickie Rush, dealt with the oppression Satan put on you so long ago. It's part of your life and you've just excepted it. There could be something other folk see wind up prejudging you.

I thought of lack of a left ear. Microtia, it's called--born without an ear. Got a teeny tiny lobe on my left. A full right ear tho. Back in the prehistoric age, when I grew up, I'm sure questions of my able to hear and learn, were asked daily. Nobody really knew--except me.

Then I thought how I was one of maybe three black kids in my entire class. In fact, by the time I graduated high school, I was the ONLY black student in my class, and one half of the black student body in the entire grades 9-12 to boot.

How I have two first names and a hyphen separates them. Oh, and yes, I do have a middle name. My classmates didn't know all that until we graduated. I felt I was singled out with the ear because it seemed I took a million hearing tests a week, being black, and then two first names? Of course, I need to add my mom died when I was 13.

As I sat in the church house today, I pondered

So did Satan oppress me?

I do believe he did.

And on this day, I do know Who possesses me.

Satan ain't likin' that

Good. mic

-the picture posted is part of IBOC's aquarium-

Sunday Short and Hot

Just jump right up on it: got my Praise ON today at MY church: Inspiring Body of Christ Church, with Pastor Rickie Rush. Even saw Bear for moment and received a belated hug before service-a surprised indeed. IBOC is a church I just knew I was never, ever gonna be a member of! Pastor Rush of blessings, being anointed, people drawn to you and how we must live by faith. There was so, SO much today. To realize God's Grace took care of me, when I couldn't even really take care of myself...and trust me, this so does explain alot!

All ready treated myself to a Cafe Vanilla Frappucino. Watermelon chills in the fridge. Cats snooze now 'cause bellies are full.

Just the right time to get a bit of house stuff done, plus with all the questions of "Are you still writing?" which happened again about an hour ago, I may just need to do some.

Stay tuned.

Sunday Short

Sun shines here in Dallas as I ready myself for church, Feels good to get up and go.

Last week, back in Iowa and caught a few minutes of my church, the Inspiring Body of Christ service, with Pastor Rickie Rush online. I pointed out to my chum Deb, the seat I call 'mine'.

Deb asks, "Do you have assign seats?"

Time zipped by so last week. I do miss Iowa to a degree--I honestly do.

As I sit here, already thinking of the Starbucks Cafe Vanilla Grande Frappucino I'll treat myself to later and the several malls, Wal-marts, and Targets in my radius, the 3 grocery stores within 5 minuts of me, with 2 across the street from each other and one of those with a Starbucks IN it! I wonder if I could really adjust to small town living again...

Stay tuned.

In the meantime, gots to go get my Praise on!

He didn't bring me this far to leave me...

Sunday...Already?

Man on man, where did the time go? It's Sunday and of course I have some paper to write for school. Let's see, it is: "Hypothectical Working Agreement"...sure.

Let's talk about something FUN! Got my praise on at MY church, Inspiring Body of Christ Church, with Pastor Rickie Rush today. The tricks Satan uses on us to rob our faith. Powerful stuff. All these messages have hit me right where I live. The blessings are there. Satan knows that. He's tried ways upon ways to steal my thunder. At times I've let him. ...Yet all is good. Just keep my eye on the prize. And I look unto the hills where my help comes from.

Now get this, yesterday I chatted with a minister I'd befriended a few years ago. The Minister attended the writers' conference I volunteered with yesterday. Also, back when I was in ICU with my little open heart adventure, she came to visit me. Yesterday, was the first time we'd seen each other in all these months since I'd left my/her original home church. The thing was she called me "Shade Tree Preacher." Huh? Long story short, Minister said she's always seen a light in me and said people come to me because of what I say and do. I just looked at her. Me? She went on to say Shade Tree is a person who does the work, but doesn't have the sign out front sayin' so. I still just looked at her. Minister said alot of stuff I still must ponder. Oh how my life has so changed. Maybe I'll share more one of these posts...

Can't believe it's SUNDAY. Did I tell y'all I did see "Toy Story" last week? LOVED it and got quite weepy at the end.

Oh, the writers' conference yesterday was GREAT! Met some nice folks. Badgered by one of them with WHERE was my next book? OK, she was an author who spoke and happens to be a chum of mine. Learned lots and enjoyed being around other writer people. Once I got home tho, I enjoyed being on my bed, under the ceiling the fan, with a cat to pet and remote in hand...

On that note--I'm outta here. Still some Sunday left to enjoy with a little Blue Bell Banana Pudding Ice Cream on the side....!

Sunday Stuff

Three weeks until First of Summer and my a/c is on for the umpteenth day. The temp is over 95 degrees F. Yep, summer is so in our midst. No matter, I, as most of America, has tomorrow off due to Memorial Day. However, even with the heat, scenery doesn't appear to bake. Like that lots.
As for today, made to MY church, Inspiring of Body Church, with Pastor Rickie Rush. The message came from Isiah 38:1, the story of King Hezekiah. I've realized I enjoy the Old Testament alot--not sure, why, but I do. Alot of the message dealt with our Season of Infliction. To have us go through trials to make our dependence on God even more. Plus, there's a thing called "Spiritual Pride." The definition is how we make decisions without consulting God.

Yea, I admit my life has been about 95% Spiritual Pride. I got impatient. Never thought to ask God to reveal. Heck no. Just decided I had to come on with it and do myself.

How did that work for me?

It didn't. Big time. Explains the hullaba-boo-boo's along the way....

Mad cause I even did em, alas

I lived thru em and glad

I learned from em...

I am blessed.

Still Shines

Pastor Rickie Rush, of MY church Inspiring Body of Christ preached from the Book of Psalms, which is my favorite. Whoever woulda thunk I'd ever like ANY book of the bible? Heck, I woulda even bet against that notion! I digress, the point Pastor Rush made, which burns inside of me is how God puts something in you--not necessarily a child, yet a blessing none the less. Sometimes you grow tire of carrying the blessing around and just want it to get here. And instead of patience, you live in the Flesh, instead live in the Spirit. Been there. Done that. I even have the t-shirt. So if you do all that, you ain't ready for what He has in store for you.
And ever woulda thunk I'd ever talk about church sermons...?
Have a couple school things that will take just minutes. No paper due until next Saturday over something that hasn't nothing to do with cats not a sensational screenplay James Cameron, Tyler Perry, Nora Epheron or Steven Spielberg will haggle over. Oh well, that's be for another day. `

In the meantime, it's still Sunday. Sun still does shine. Got stuff to do and throw out. Cats, being as they are, will not assist. They obviously have other things to do...

I am blessed.

So It Goes...

Headed to my New Member Orientation at Inspiring Body of Christ Church (IBOC) today. About 500 of us were there from about 10-3ish. We were split up into five group and rotated to five different stations to learn more about the church. It was suppose to be over at 2pm--however it's all OK. I feel closer to the church--still amazed I joined. A couple ladies I'd chatted with on different Sundays were there. One remembered my name, unfortunately I couldn't remember hers. Had a nice chat tho. Stay tuned.

Went to see "Just Wright" starring Queen Latifah. Not quite Oscar caliber, yet sweet.

I liked the Queen in that role. I could relate to the girl being one of the 'friends' of the guys and never 'that' girl. I always seemed to see the potential in men before they saw it in themselves. Plus the fact The Queen ain't a Size Zero accentuates the positive that there was no stereotype loud mouth black woman anywhere. I like watching old episodes of Livin' Single staring Queen Latifah--her talent and beauty were quite evident then. I would love to see her do something more hard hitting, another drama which would be much better than "The Secret Life of Bees" --I know she could handle it--she's a Queen.

Twas a good Saturday, and it's not ever yet. So it goes, I need get on and enjoy the rest of it!

Sum Up Sunday

Another view of part of my back yard. The wind does waltz with the leaves. And I like it.

It's Sunday. I went to IBOC--my HOME church as of last week. I still can't get over it I joined. Especially since the church I called Home for 5 1/2 years, before I ventured to IBOC, I never officially joined, even tho I was involved in things--like the co-head of the Singles Ministry and even taught my first adult Sunday School class--didn't know what I was talking about--but I did it. However, I never officially joined.

And now I have: Inspiring Body of Christ Church. I sat by an empty seat that had someone's purse and such there. In a few moments the woman came back--it was the SAME woman, who nudged me last week about joining. Things don't just happen. They happen for a reason. We had a good chat.

The main thing, Pastor Rickie Rush said when folks ask what we we did this weekend we oughta tell em we praised Jesus. Not what is usually heard. I chuckle cause folks who have known me since MTV were just letters in the alphabet, really don't get my Praise. I've learned to expect that. And it's OK--these folks continue to be blessings in my life.

In the meantime, the sun has gone down on this Sunday. Finished a college paper--I doNOT like writing non-fiction. Got a cat to pet, ice cream to eat and pages of Screenwriting for Dummies to fumble through.

I am blessed.

Still Sunday

As the sun still shines I tried to trim the bushes outside my front door. I guess I didn't realize they would grow--or how full and tall--like to my chest-they would get. Just thought they would stay pretty like they did when we had 12 inches of snow in February.

Wrong. Let's just say I used some clippers from the Dollar General and clipped away. I don't think I killed it. I mean I trimmed my wisteria a few weeks back--not really knowing what I was doing--and it still has leaves. Anyhoo, my bushes still need work--but they are not as bushy...

It being Sunday, you know I headed to Inspiring of Body of Christ Church, with Pastor Rickie Rush, this morning. At one point, the sanctuary's nights were shut off to help explain the message: about your vision of the plan God has for us. Trust me--it worked. The main thing, on this day was, I joined the church--when the lights were off, and they did come back on! :)

I'm still dazed and a bit confused I joined, along with 251 others. We have New Member Orientation on May 15. I didn't plan to join- Heck no. I was content to be a "BootLeg Member"--basically you keep on comin' to church, but don't join. That's me. I'm OK with that--I guess until today.

Part of the message hit me hard: when you are anointed, expect to go walk on by yourself. Folks you care most about, are the ones who most don't get your vision. I've run into that of late. You don't care for them less, you just know they can't come with you--at least for now. Be prepared to be alone--and I am.

Outside of all this, a GRAND day, even if my bushes don't think so! This cat rests on my desk's edge:

Plus I have an "A" in my current college class, Blue Bell Ice Cream in the freezer, a NY Best Selling author asks me questions about MY writing, and I have my Vision...

I am blessed.

Soothe

That's what the rain did today. Soothed. And still kinda does as I type this.

Today the last song I hear on the radio as I pulled into Inspiring Body of Church's parking lot, was the classic "The Closer I Get To You" with Roberta Flack and the late, great Donny Hathaway. I hurried to my seat, because it was close to service time and Bear is the last person I pass to get to one. Bear was ready to give the group prayer. After Bear finished, I told him how good it is to hear him do prayer--Bear beamed. And said what I truly believe, "It's all God." Did I ever say Bear looks good in a suit?

IBOC's Pastor Rickie Rush taught a lesson on how to get thru disappointments. He used cripture from the Old Testament, The Book of Jeremiah. The lesson included Pastor Rush discussing a ride on a roller coaster and when he was little and stole chocolate out of his mom's purse. The chocolate which really was Exlax--this lesson dealt with what God has called you to do and how you are always in His hands. Trust me--it ALL worked! :)

Got school work done. Never cleaned the house--imagine that--smiled at my backyard flowers and the leaves on the pecan tree. The scent of burgandy roses waltzed to my nose and then I smiled how a cat with dandelions is dee-lightful sight of Spring.

I am blessed.

Ahh..

My extra long weekend does waltz to its end. Kinda bummed about that since it's been a wonderful few days...

Church was grand! It amazes me how IBOC's Pastor Rickie Rush, gives the message I need to hear. This time how Satan can play with your mind, when you're not as prayerful as you should be. I admit, I'm guilty. Have what I call a prayer pedestal (it's really a ceramic thing that held up a glass coffee table top) which I've not used as I use to. My cats perch on it tho. In days before, t I'd kneel before it and lay my hands, other times I'd wail, while other times I'd give praise.

Gotta get back to it.

On top of that, Bear and I had a sweet, short chat after service. I'm amazed, again how in a crowd of hundreds, we spot each other.

As I write this, tis early evening. The sun still shines. Gotta enjoy it before the sun sets.

I am blessed.

Easter II

Easter Sunday is Resurrection Sunday and the day I began my Spiritual Journey.

It was Easter Sunday 2003, I set foot in a church that had nothing to do with a wedding or mainly listening to Donny Osmond give his testimony. Yep, there was a point in time I research to be a Mormon--like back in the 70's. So, the only reason I was in a church prior to that day in 2003, was because of the Osmonds. Granted, it wasn't a bad reason. It just wasn't the right reason for me. There was void in my life--and it had to get filled.

OK, the whole point of this is, I'd pretty much decided to go to the church where I started my spiritual journey: Christian Chapel Temple of Faith CME. I hadn't been there since November 2008. I felt 'hungry' after more services than I liked. More Sundays, I wanted 'more' from the sermon. In fact, I'd leave Christian Chapel when service was done, and head to Inspiring Body of Christ Church, with Pastor Rickie Rush--which had 3 services then. That is, until the move to the new sanctuary in November 2010. Sure, there were Sundays I felt I O'D attending both services--yet I'd feel better. I realized I'd rather get more from The Word than not enough.

Even yesterday, I ran into a member, of Christian Chapel in the grocery store. In a part of town, I don't even live anymore. We hugged. It was grand to see her--and she said she'd even save 'my spot' in the sanctuary. Told her I was thinking about coming for a visit. She glowed and I was pretty sure I was gonna do it. When I came home, I was confused. Not sure where to go.

I wanted to see the church where all this started. Heck, I could miss a Sunday at IBOC. I wanted to sit in the pews and remember how I felt on that first Easter Sunday--oh man, I was so petrified that day in 2003. I carried a bible I'd purchased at Half Price Books, just for this church moment. I had yet to open it. Me? Church? HA!

Easter Sunday morning 2010. I woke up. Thanked God for the breath in my lungs and went to IBOC. No hesitation. Just got up and went. Other Christians may get the struggle I had yesterday. There was none today. I sat in a seat and within five minutes I heard a familiar voice.

Bear. My mouth dropped. At IBOC, right before service starts, ushers lead groups of the attendees in a circle of prayer. This is the first Sunday I'd ever been in a group where Bear said the prayer. In fact, it's the first time I've heard Bear say prayer--outside of grace over food. By the time Bear began our groups' prayer he'd seen me and waved. We hugged after service was over. One of these days I may need to ask him what goes through his mind at those moments.

Journeyed long since that Easter Sunday in 2003. I realized when another usher called me "a true Woman of God; " today-no where, before in my life, did I ever think such words would surge electricity in me--more than any other compliment.

Got more mountains to climb. And I realize some people in my life are not really getting where I'm going. I can deal with that.

I know a Light shows me the way.

And I'm OK with that.

Salty Sunday

This photo is from yesterday and is my backyard. I bought this house for the very reason I didn't want in a house--a yard. OK--moving on...

During today's service, from the book of St. Matthew, Chapter 5, at Inspiring Body of Christ Church, with Pastor Rickie Rush, at one point, all sanctuary lights were off and nothing but a sea of cell phone lights could be seen. It tied to the message how we are the light--and let it glow for all to see. Trust me--it worked. Plus, how we are the salt aka the seasoning--to make the world around us tolerable. When we lose that flavor, all becomes worthless and salt gets trampled. This message hit me on all cylinders. I've felt lost, impatient for a variety of reasons. I wondered if I'd run out of toilet paper, since it seems I'd been in the toilet so long. Today's message helped lots. Pastor Rush reminded us, we could be running hurdles with folks that actually slow us down, even tho it looks like we win the race. That part is hard for me. Some folks are in my life, are those I love--yet at the same time, I get drained. I don't seem to run as fast. Quit running against people, because time runs regardless. I have friends who knew me way back when, and aren't too comfy when I speak of The Word...oh well. I make no apologies.

On this Sunday, the sun shines. Cats in open windows. Got to finish my last paper for my first college class that ends tomorrow. Then I ponder: can I really write 50,000 for my first draft of my novella by my birthday? (which is April 8th, to the rest of the world....) Lastly, I'm going to fry some chicken using some Southwest Ranch Salad Dressing, after I season it a bit with salt and pepper--Yep, you're right, I have NO idea how it's gonna turn out. But ya can't really ruin chicken...can you?

Stay tuned.

Besides Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream and a pint of fresh strawberries ease any woes...

I am blessed.

Snow Spring

This was the scene from the side of my house. Snow. It started about 10PM or so. When all was said and done, my neck of Dallas received about 2 inches. Towns about 20 miles north of the Dallas got over 5 to 9 inches.

I had decided on Saturday night I wasn't going to church.My bed was too darn cozy. I'd watch service online. So after I got up, did some PC stuff and looked at my 'to do' list before church would be online at 11am, I would up taking a shower. Off to church I went. Sanctuary about half full. A woman and I spoke how we were both going to stay home. Alas, here we were. I did pass a few dented cars along the highway and/or in a ditch with the police right there on the way to church.

Anyway, Pastor Rickie Rush, of Inspiring Body of Christ Church aka IBOC, reminded me and the rest of the congregation: "Trouble don't last always." I needed to hear that. How the stronger the trials we go thru, the stronger the blessing. Needed to hear that too. All in all, glad I went.

Oh, and by time I left church, the snow and ice was gone. So much for the Spring Snow Storm of 2010. Because even with the snow gone, something has made me sneeze.

Yep, Spring IS here.

If you will excuse, got an orange to peel and contemplate Blue Bell Ice Cream to savor.

March 14, 2006 was Tuesday

On this day in 2006, was my open heart surgery day to replace my mitral valve. Did I ever mention I didn't even KNOW I had a mitral valve until they told me mine was damaged by this infection called endocarditis? Anyway, since my date with the surgeon was to take place at a sister hospital, the paramedics were to come get me at 6AM.

They didn't. More like closer to 7am. I'd been awaken to take a quick sponge bath, change into my surgery gown, gather what belongings I had left and wait to be taken. Well, I waited.

When the guys did show up, I was strapped to a gurney and rolled on my way. All the nurse that taken care of me said their good byes and told me to call them to let them know everything was OK. For the brief moment I was wheeled outside from this hospital to the waiting ambulance and into the sister hospital, I had my first taste of fresh air in 15 days. Even filled with exhaust, I didn't care. Wonderful. The paramedics told me there was no way they could have picked me up at 6AM because, they didn't even start their shift until after 6. Oh well.

Since I was late, and my surgery was first of the day, the nurse in charge of doing prelims was ticked. I was released from the gurney and then she walked me to different stations to take my vitals. I realized how weak I really was--I couldn't keep with her on these short walks. The nurse grumbled how all surgeries were now pushed back for the day. Considering I didn't WANT a surgery, I was kinda OK with that. Anyway, the nurse took vitals and I remained silent and did as I was told. Then after the vital taking, a group of folks helped me back on a gurney to get me prepped.

They were all nice, asking if I was OK as they measured my mouth for a tube or somesuch. jabbed me for IV's and whatever else they did. Then I heard "Put her out."

Next thing I heard was, "Good Afternoon!" I squinted at the clock. 3:45PM. A tube was still down my throat. I just knew I would choke. I heard a female say, "She woke so fast. Where's the doctor?" I heard the same female voice talk to the doctor by phone, "Yes, she's awake already!" All in all, I was later told, by that female nurse she'd never had a patient wake up as fast as I did. They needed the doctor's OK to get the tube out of my throat. If I hadn't been strapped down, I was gonna pull that sucker out myself.

Fast forward to this day in 2010. Got my praise on at Inspiring Body of Christ Church, with Pastor Rickie Rush. Once again affirmed how people in your life, can step between you and your blessing. They may still be committed to the flesh, while you are now committed to your spirit. I thought of folks I've loved, yet at the present are out of my life. I love them, but we just don't connect--at least, for right now.

As for the rest of this Sunday, it's over 70 degrees. Sun continues to shine. The flowers posted up top are in my backyard at this very moment. Downed iced coffee and pet Perry the 81/2 year old orange tabby cat who was nice enough to keep me company while I typed this.

Now if you will excuse me, Mama got new tennyshoes and gots to take a walk. You see, because of this day in 2006 with my trust in One Who Knows to guide surgeons while I lie on that table with machines keeping me alive --I can. .

So I woke up too soon from surgery, eh? Well, I have things to do.

I am blessed