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. 

February 26, 2006 was Sunday

It was not Oscar Sunday that year. However, it was a Sunday I do remember as a one of kind. I wondered if something was wrong enough with me that I should go to the hospital. Even tho I had a 'jolt' as I washed my hands in the ladies' room in my home church at the time. The 'jolt' was a enough I held the faucet for fear I would fall to the floor. "What was that?" I asked myself. I felt a little different, yet...

Nonetheless, I went to the sanctuary. Sat farther back than usual. Like close to the exit doors to be precise. I did not speak to anyone, I just smiled and nodded. Which looking back, seems ironic, because I knew a few people there. I tried to write out my check for offering. The numbers came out as large letters a child in kindergarten would muster "A" "C" "U". No numbers. I somehow managed to scribble my debit card number on the envelope after 3 tries to write out a check.

I still stay, even tho I couldn't say our devotional out loud. My mouth would not form the words. I made it thru the whole service, wondering why I was acting the way I was. I managed to walk the few steps to give my offering then I walked up the aisle and out the doors. Walked to my car, drove to the grocery store and got what I needed. Once home, I put away my groceries and I was too tired to get on the Internet (my PC was dial up then, so that could have been part of the problem :) I just lie on my bed all day and watched TV. Did not talk to anyone on the phone. Just pet my two cats.

And wondered if something had happened wrong enough I should go to the hospital.

In 2012, on this Sunday, I headed to my home church, Inspiring Body of Christ Church (IBOC) with Pastor Rickie Rush. I needed me some church today. Pastor Rush has taught from Exodus before, yet today I was touched more than I have been. Pastor spoke of Moses asking God why He had chosen Moses to lead. Moses said he himself was a slow speaker and not an eloquent speaker. God told Moses he would tell Moses what to say. All in all, Pastor Rush taught how God would use our weaknesses for His strength.

I believe that. Back in 2006, yes, something did happen wrong enough I went to the hospital the next day. A week went by in fear and wonder if my speech would ever be again with out slurs and skipping words in sentences. Would y speech be normal? Would people understand my words?

Since 2006, with my confidence being someone lack, my weakness has become my biggest strength for God's glory. Because of Him, people have complimented on my words and tone. . Some have urged me to speak more, while others want to know how I do it.

With God's goodness and mercy. I know no other way.

I am blessed.

Sunday Fog..

This was the today's morning view from my front door.

When the day is dreary like this I find I am more pensive about tasks and goals and such. How about you?

After I took this photo, I got ready to head to my place of worship: Inspiring Body of Christ Church with Pastor Rickie Rush. The sermon was on Stamina. As usual the Message was right on time! A woman, who sat beside me, would nudge me whenever Pastor said something that touched her spirit. Let's just say the woman apologized several times because of her nudges. I will be surprised if I do NOT have a bruise! :) All good tho.
I will say some of my own personal fog cleared after Pastor's sermon. Even if the skies around Dallas didn't.

All good tho.

Thanksgiving 2011

Yes, indeed.
I did get on up and headed to Inspiring Body of Christ Church for the Thanksgving Day service. My church is one of the few, in Dallas, opened on this day. A few thousand of my dearest and bestest friends were also in attendence. Pastor Rickie Rush did appear, with a neck brace on. He didn't stay long, yet Pastor gave a Word and let us see he is doing well.

The rest of the day was spent with a wonderful BFF, her hubby, and another friend of the BFF, I hadn't see in a while. Our bellies got full, while conversation spread. Then the BFF's hubby went into his office. That left us three girls to gab to our hearts' content. Sometimes just hanging out with the girls, is what you need to let you know you are doing well.
So for Thanksgiving 2011
Alot to be thankful for.
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.

Sunday Blue Bell Terra Cotta

I tell ya what--today was bee-YOO-tee ful here in Dallas-Ft Worth. Sure, it got a little cloudy then that broke all away. Got my Praise ON at my church, Inspiring Body of Christ Church. Pastor Rickie Rush reminded us how God knew us before we were even in our mother's womb. He chose us. I like that. He has plans for me. Like that alot.

OK--then as I sat and watched the Dallas Cowboys beat the St Louis Rams I natural sea sponged this pot. This is another "bell" terra cotta pot. Only this one is an 8 inch pot sponged with metallic acrylic paints of blues, including topaz, with some amethyst sponged here and there. The base is a gloss black. I'm a believer of Folk Art acrylic paints, however Hobby Lobby carries a brand called "Anita's" which is cheaper and I like the results. I prefer "Anita's" much better than Michael's "Craft" paints. I would be curious on your thoughts...Blue is my fave color, so I am liking this pot....alot.

Sunday Good

That's what today is. Got my Hallelujah Praise on at MY church, Inspiring Body of Christ Church. Choir had us all in the aisles. Pastor Rickie Rush's message had me thinking about what I "say" to God. Ya gotta speak it. Not just think it. Great day. I don't feel like headin' to work on Monday either. That might be one of those "speak" things I really need to pay attention to. On the terra cotta pot front, I actually tried a different technique called for a sponge to apply the acrylic paint. Imagine my surprise, when the directions called for a sea sponge and there really is a reason to actually use a sea sponge. Not the sponge I had on hand to clean the pots. Hmm. So yes, to buy a sea sponge is on my 'to do after work list' for Monday. Anyway, take a look at the cat. He's tellin' me to take it easy, cuz there's still some Sunday left to enjoy. The Blue Bell Tiramisu ice cream will indeed help!

Sunday Six

Tyson Chandler is his name.

He is a member of the NBA Dallas Mavericks. Tonight is Game 6 of the NBA Finals against the Miami Heat. Dallas needs just one more win out of these last two games to bring home the Trophy. The game will be played in Miami--yet the Dallas has proved they know how to handle the 'Heat.' The city of Dallas hopes this the Sixth and Final game! ******In the meantime, as I countdown minutes to the game, I think how great it's been to not worry about some school paper due on Monday. I'm on a two week break. I don't want to go back to this particular school either. I need to find another school to transfer to. My education is important to me. What I've run into so far is, I need to enroll and register before the new school will even discuss what classes I have taken will transfer or not. Seems like a waste of my time. One school said it would be at least a year and a half for me to finish. That's a big ol' no from me. Stay tuned.****** I just remember what my Pastor Rickie Rush, of Inspiring Body of Christ Church said last week, "Specialize until your special." That is so good on so many levels. I'll just trek onward. I am being led and for once I'm OK with that.

OK. Back to tonight. 30 minutes until tip-off. Got my Mavs t-shirt on. Blue Bell Homemade Ice Cream in the freezer and a cat who purrs louder than the hum of the a/c. Sounds like the makin' of a NBA Finals Championship game to me!

GO MAVS!

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.

Sunday SunDown

....and with that the Dallas Cowboys BEAT the Peyton Manning and his Indy Colts. Granted, Peyton tossed an interception and the Dallas' deeee-fense shoulda been better--yet the COWBOYS won. Da Boys are now 4-8. Gotta admit, I wish the season just started instead of almost at the end....*sigh*

Headed to church today and IOBC's Pastor Rickie Rush told us about Solomon's buidling this grand temple for God. Basically Solomon 'just did it'--kinda like the Nike of his time. Before Christ even. Makes me realize I just need to do it...stay tuned.

As I was in the grocery, taking note of the ice cream selection (imagine that) a carton of strawberry caught my eye. It wasn't my normal brand, yet it was an OK brand , and my favorite price 'on sale'--then I took a good look at the carton's label. It was strawberry alright--mixed with PEPPERCORN. Hmm. I pondered and declined. The 'on sale' price was not enough for me sample strawberry with peppercorn.

I bought a you-bake-a-frozen pumpkin pie instead.

Sunday. All good.

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.

Sizzlin' on Sunday

Got me a Strawberry Limeade. Would love chips and queso too. Alas will do with salad.

Woke up this morning and didn't really want to get out of bed. I almost 'called in' church. Yet I got up, ran late and arrived just as the choir began. Turns out the Pastor Rickie Rush, of MY church, Inspiring Body of Christ Church, had a blood transfusion this week. In fact, last Sunday he was spunky, yet not all the way--I wondered if he felt bad. Pastor Rush admitted he was in pain last Sunday and had trouble breathing. He's not told us all what was wrong, yet he was losing blood internally. The doctor told him Tuesday, she couldn't promise him he'd be out of the hospital to get to church on Sunday.

Well, Pastor Rickie Rush was. And so was I.

I'm amazed by my Spiritual Walk, more so I never thought I'd have one. Since I'm surprised, folks who have known me forever must be just as surprised--if not more so. Some of them acknowledge, ask me questions and ask if I'd pray for them. Others don't say a word. And that's OK. All this just helps me learn--and that's a good thing.

Now, it's 4:16 PM Sunday afternoon. 100 degrees F---again. Gotta finish this Strawberry Limeade and do a little house and cat box cleaning--yea, the stuff that makes this Sunday so sizzlin'!