Sunday So Good

I tell ya what, I'm still tired from the writers' conference yesterday. Goes to show me, I am so outta shape. There was a time I exercised at least 5 days out of the week. I was healthier and leaner because of it. Such one more of the things on my mind. My terra cotta pots--all 20 of them have new homes. I still can't believe that. Boosted my confidence about 10 fold. ***Today. I got my church on. Needed THAT bad. Pastor Rush of Inspiring Body of Church brought it. He's been preachin' about passion and living courageously as a Christian--not religiously, yet as a Christian. Spiritually. All good. Hittin' right where I need. Before church started, someone tapped on my shoulder. This man calls me by name. His name escaped me, eventho the face was familiar. He told me "Mike" and we'd sat by each other. I remembered. It was a few weeks ago, and I recall we had a couple laughs. Nice.

There' still some Sunday left. I'm headed to the couch with cat close behind. The TV remote and I are pretty much gonna become one tonight.

Yep. Good all the way 'round.

Sunday Stop

The kitty looks out at Sunday. This my girl cat who meows and carries one of my shoes to me. I believe it's her "Mommy cat" meow. She never had to carry her kittens any where three and a half year ago. They were safe and secure in my apartment. Maybe she misses that she never had to carry anything. One of those moments I wish cats could talk.

With that wish, I realize I need to talk more to God. How's that for segue? :) IBOC's Pastor Rickie Rush had such a good message today. One part hit me all the way home, especially because of my Over Do it yesterday.

God has a plan for us, Pastor Rickie Rush said. That's the first time God speaks to us--about His plan. The next time is when God tells us our purpose. In the middle of all this journey, are all the 'sighs' of the purpose/blessing.

That goes back to me yesterday, I over did the card thing. I had me with my own version of a Hallmark store and one of Oprah's Favorite Things. Ever since my pesky little open heart surgery in 2006, I've 'seen' things. Clear as could be. When I sat and recuperated when it was exhausted me to walk just 10 minutes--if lucky. How would these things every really happen? Some of those things have already come to pass. There are more things God has let me see. I need to listen and TALK more to Him to see what all this is.

Or I actually do know, and I let my flesh take over with fear. Then I remember, God does not give me fear.

Then I also remember to be still and know he is God.

Things have changed so much in my life. Good and bad--yet my character continues to be built.

I am blessed.

Time Flies

WOW! It's November already!!! When in the world did THAT happen? Wasn't it just a few days ago the sweltering Texas heat gave a subject to chat about and high hopes for the Dallas Cowboys and wonder if the Texas Rangers were gonna do something?

Now I have these two kitties sit still on the window sill either waiting still for a World Series parade to come down our street for the Texas Rangers or a victory might come this way for the Dallas Cowboys. The Rangers tried to win the World Series and the Dallas Cowboys are trying to win period....Either way, it's November!

And today was Sunday and I headed to church and it's what I needed to hear. Pastor Rickie Rush of Inspiring Body of Christ Church reminded us of our valleys. How they build our Godly character and mature us. We could be ticked at the process, yet it benefits us in the end. I thought of my little pesky open-heart surgery. That valley either made me put my honestly put my trust in God or not. When I did, more so, when I realize I did--I wanted the surgery to get over and done. I had to learn to really listen to Him. This might explain why the nurse said I was person who ever tried to wake up the fastest from surgery. That's right. I had things to do. The sermons have been hitting me right on time--and that's a good thing.

We set our clocks back last night. Why do we still do this? Not my most favorite thing to do. It's 5:46 PM as I type this and night has just about fallen. Naw. Nope. Uh-huh. .

So in that case, I'll close the window. The cats will be mad. Got my school work done, so I'm headed to the TV to think about this day and the future.

I am blessed.

Sunday in Bloom

This is so when I really love being in Dallas--not too hot, not too cool. GORGEOUS is the only word to describe! This flower, is out in my back yard. I snapped it this morning before I got ready for church. It's close to my wisteria, so it could be from there. I dunno. All I do know, it's purple!

OK. Well, I don't want to keep you too long. I do have some junk to pick up around the house and popcorn to pop--so...the main thing is at church. I attend Inspiring Body of Christ Church (IBOC), with Pastor Rickie Rush. I have the t-shirt and bumper sticker to prove it--literally. One of these times, I'm just going to have to talk about my Spiritual Walk and how I wound up at IBOC--a place I NEVER thought I would be. However, in the meantime, I want to speak about today's sermon--which dealt with anger.

Yea, something that I'm NOT proud about. Pastor talked about trying to find where that anger came from and how you just carry it around with you. Then something or somebody lights you're already short fuse and your anger fireworks begin. Pastor spoke if someone is critical, it is actually we who are critical and also controlling.

All this about forgiveness, scripture from books Ephesians and James and I'm like...why did I come today? The guy I sat by was having a hard time too, and we both laughed. And when Pastor said if it's hard to trust, it because we have not forgiven, we both wanted to get up an leave. I told him to make sure he wrote that down, while I hoped I'd run out of ink.

We both wrote it down and did not get up and leave. They guy I sat by, who I don't even know his name said, "This was right on time."

I agree.

Then I glanced over my shoulder, specifically to the section across. My eyes locked with Bear's.
We'd both heard the same sermon. Alot of what Pastor preached was stuff from our past.
I'd like to believe we've both come far since those days. Anyway, when our eyes locked, we both smiled.

Like I said, this is when I love living in Dallas--not too hot, not too cool.

A Bit

Of time is all I'll spend here tonight....

It seems like alot has happened since we last met up and first I've started my newest college class--this one is about a human's life span. Might kinda cool and creepy, because we're pretty much talking about ourselves. One of my assignments will be to observe people in different points of their lives--like my first one is for babies--yea, this is going to be interesting.

Saturday is going to be an interesting day by far, and it's all pretty local, unlike going to Oklahoma City last week! I'm going to a bible study that morning. What's a kicker about that, well--it's on Saturday, and I'll be meeting with girls I haven't worked with 2003. We've kept in touch, yet I never once thought we'd hang out talk about the bible. Glad we are tho.

Then once that's done, I head to my writers' group. I've written nothing fiction in I don't how long. The college papers have wasted me. I need to find time to really put pen to paper, and not just for moment or two. That will be another nice time of fellowship along with some writing stuff...

Then--I don't know if this is still on tap--another chum is to have a CD signing party later on that night. I've not heard anymore plans about it. He's got a nice voice, so I hope it happens. If not--well, I'll be home curled up with a cat...or

Get another chum to go see "Wall Street" with me.

Yep. Saturday. Looking forward to you. Gotta enjoy Thursday and Friday tho before, even tho professionally--things do stink, however I won't let the stench steal my joy...

Not even for a bit.

Finally Friday....

A chum of mine posted a comment on my the last entry and
Asked when was the last time I did something for the first time?
And when I did do such a thing I would be open to new things...
My chum does have a point. A very good one actually.
And I gotta smile.
Alot.

When was the last time I did something for the first time?

This morning.

God let me open my eyes to see this new day for the first time.

And I gotta smile because of the memories will be made today and this weekend.

Yea, the Aries mind is open and ready for business!

And I like it like that.

Relationships III

Things come in 3's, the word is. So it's 3 posts on relationships--for now.

I've slept on and thought of my emotions from yesterday. Pretty dag gum deep for me. I didn't share with anyone, even my BFF, what I felt yesterday--until today. Then I didn't go into a lot of detail, just more the hi-lights of it.

Why? Because she's lady, we'll call her Dunne, who has uplifted me about my small business ideas, from selling' pies to cat lovers things. We hadn't chatted lately until now. I told about the 'Dream Big" my pastor Rickie Rush preached and how I thought of her of her Big Dream. You see, Dunne has a picture of her dream house (more like a mansion)on her cubical wall. She told me God has it all worked out and coulda been waiting for her to take a step. We both said you have to speak what you want to will it. If you just have a thought--it's just that--a thought. Words make it so.

I told Dunne how you never know where angels are going to be. Dunne said how MLG was an angel to show me anything is possible--it's not too late to do your passions. OK, I'm giving you just hi-lights, however the chat with Dunne was free and easy, even tho we met in April, and hadn't spoken since June. We laughed like we would over coffee at Starbucks, except we stood by the sinks in the women's restroom, at our jobs.

I remember when my My Sweet Big Daddy Don passed away in 2001, I felt so lonely. Both of my parents were now gone and I was an adult orphan. Loneliness consumed. Sure, I knew people, but the weekends were the darkest days of my week even the sun's beams blinded. I'd sit on my couch and realize the 'friends' I had were no even close to being there for me as I was for them. I cried alot.

I wasn't much into in my Spiritual Walk in 2001 (the beginning was still two years away) yet I asked God would there ever be a day I'd have good friends. Friends that I could count on. Friends who "get me" and we would laugh at the same thing with just once glance at each other.

The chat with Dunne showed me relationships are not 'one size fits' all. .

The day I cried for is here.

Thank God.

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'!

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 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.

Birthday Mine

He saw this couple needed to be parents---

And on the Eight of April

Back in 19 Yester-century

The lady gave birth to the man's daughter

And we became a family...
*

*

On this Eighth of April in 2010

He saw fit to wake me this morning

And I got to see another one of these:

I am blessed

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.