Got Milk?

To live by yourself has many pleasures

Such as droppin' your clothes where ever you want-

Doing the dishes whenever, or just eat off paper plates

Throw em away. No mess. No fuss.

And being able to go to your fridge for a

Swig of juice or milk right from the container

Which is what I did as I readied for church this morn.

See, the meds I gotta take suggest

Milk to swallow em down with.

Popped the meds in my mouth and reach

For the plastic jug in the fridge-

I forgot I had two jugs of milk in the fridge

Once I took a swig, I remembered.

Spoiled milk ain't the tastiest beverage.

Over to the sink I go, in between the dishes

I'll consider to wash, to spit out said milk and the meds.

Yea, the other jug was the one I bought yesterday.

I forgot to take the remnents of the old out.

I've since remembered.

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 Short

A couple things--well, really three things happened during my trek to the church house, Inspiring Body of Christ Church. today. Seems like I've been visiting enough I should just join--yet I haven't--however that isn't one of the three things that happened.

Pastor Rickie Rush taught from the Book of Luke-specifically the story of Jarius who asked Jesus to save his dying daughter. What hit me about this was, I wrote a short story from a 12 year old girl's point of view about this same story. I'd tried to submit it--well, once to a Christian magazine, then to a couple others who said they had interest is possible play production. None of it happened, so the story has set still. Honestly, I'd almost forgotten it today. It was as if I was told "it's time." Stay tuned.

The other thing was Pastor Rush's talk of fear of perhaps being alone. How others don't love you like you love them. How you might do things for them, which may be a way to make sure they stay around. Like you're buying their love. Yet you can't understand why the folk leave anyway. BINGO. Another a-ha moment. I've done that with just about every man I've loved. and even some women who I wanted to be my best good girl friends. The girlfriend you drink coffee and eat cheesecake with and talk about all the men in you life. Maybe I was scared of being alone. Or scared my bold personality would scare them off. Nonetheless, if some of those people remain in my life, the relationship has shifted. I now know The One I need to lean on. I don't need to buy His love, for it's already done.

The last thing was during most of the service a six month boy, Micah kept me company. He was on my shoulder or either on lap. Micah's smile brightened the room and my heart. Even fed Micah his bottle and happy he didn't even spit up on me after. Having Micah in my arms made me realize how much I miss not having my own family. Never thought I would be this age and not have my own kids. I have those where I am their other mom or big sister. It's a role I've learned to cherish. Yet some where in the last 20 years, I lost 20 years. Just need to make sure I don't miss another 20.

In the meantime will enjoy the rest of the Sunday.

I am blessed.

Widdle Down

Got my Praise On at the Inspiring Body of Christ Church today where Pastor Rickie Rush spoke of discontentment. This was from the book of Philippians 4:10-13. How discontentment has nothing to do what's going on around you, however what's going on inside of you. Not to think if you had more money, different job or one thing, you think has to happen to make you happy--is not the way to believe. Being able to feel joy, even when Satan tries to stomp all over you, means to put your trust in God.

I second that emotion. Good sermon. Hit home and once again, as if it was written just for ME!

So now if you will excuse me. Gotta down my 72 ounces of water, haul in a 40 pound of kitty litter, consider to mop the floor (naw!) yet will Rejoice in the rest of this day the Lord has made and I will be glad in it. Oh, and when I stepped on the scale this morning it didn't bust in two. :)

I am blessed.

Cue up Israel Houghton to inform us about "Rejoice!"

Easter Rise

Grand Easter Service spent at Inspiring Body of Christ Church, with Pastor Rickie Rush, who spoke how we should not let a stone cover our grave. Basically, the stone was moved away from the tomb of Jesus and He was not there. In our lives, the stone is the devil who tries his best to not let you move. To not let you rise up. The devil tries to make you feel hopeless, helpless and isolated from your support.

The sermon hit me. It was how I felt pretty much this past entire week--a week I had off. To enjoy and celebrate my birthday. I did have a good time--yet, something hung over my head the entire time. My time wasn't like I wanted it to be. Due the stone that was over me. The stone I didn't push hard enough to move. As Pastor Rush said, the more the anointing the more the attack.

I understand that NOW. The devil doesn't want us to succeed at what we're called to do. Some times I think I've let God just to to voice mail. That needs to stop. Be thankful with what He brought me through--even if this week. He was with me all the time. Because of Him I am here. Because of Him I can go on.

This Easter Sunday was also an anniversary of sorts. On Easter Sunday 2003, I stepped foot in a church for the first time other than a child to recite a verse or a fan to hear the Osmonds bear their testimony, or even somebody's wedding. I went to church that day because I wanted to. Needed to fill a void in my heart. At my wit's end professionally and still mourned the death of my dad.

Easter Sunday 2006, was my first time back at church after my mitral valve replacement surgery. I'd just gotten the OK to drive a couple days before. Been away for almost two months. He had been in my house, to get me well, then it was my turn to go to His house. It was Resurrection Sunday-for both of us.

And today. The message Pastor Rush delivered touched me. Hit all the way home. I've been called to use the gifts God gave me. No more voice mail. I will listen to message first hand and not run. I'm destined. We all are. Do what you know you should do.

I am blessed.

Sunday Be Done

It's a cold Dallas Day and I wanted comfort food. I am so becoming one with the crock pot. Indeed. I have beef stew crocking. Smells pretty darn yummy! Reminds me of long ago days back in Iowa when my Dad made up a pot. He didn't crock it tho. Nope. It simmered on the stove after he boiled the meat to get its broth. Hate to admit, I cheated--sorta. I bought the beef pieces all ready cut up for the stew. Oh well. And then I realized I'm missing the corn bread. We always had cornbread, Next time.

On with the day. I planned to visit Friendship West Baptist Church, however I wound up going to The Potter's House. It's about a quick 10-15 minute zip down the highway from me. GREAT message. Bishop TD Jakes asked, "What are you going to do this year?" Are we being productive to tap into that plan, that calling God has for us? Are we around the right people or do they drain us? The sermon was a touchdown for me. Unlike what the Dallas Cowboys couldn't get last week. I digress.

Just can't believe the long New Year's Weekend is over. Christmas stuff is marked down to 75%, while the Valentine hearts stare you in the face. Tomorrow it's back to work. But ya know, after Bishop Jakes' sermon today, I am rejuvenated to make the workday count because it's just one more day to the blessing God has instore.

Sounds like a good New Year to me!

The Final Day of 2008

...and where will you be when the final minute ticks and 2009 begins? Will you be at a party where champagne is your new best chum, until your head pounds in the morning? Will you be alone with your significant other-just the two of you, as a toast is made to your future? Or will you be by yourself, perhaps a little melancholy because you're not doing the other two things and then to watch "When Harry Met Sally" for the billionth time makes you cry instead, of your usual smile, during its New Year's scene? Or are you in the place where you should be with the folks you're suppose to be with? As folks left work today, the answer to, "Where you goin' tonight?" was the chorus of "Church." Ha! When did Church become the place to party on New Year's Eve? The chorus sings, "When you know Who gave you the breath, the power, and the light to be blessed to see another year. " And now you're headed to the Watch Night for the New Year's Eve celebration at the Potter's House -aka- Church.

Just the place you oughta be.

Sun Sunday

Rejoice in the day the Lord has made and be glad in it!

Headed to the Inspiring Body of Christ Church with Pastor Rickie Rush. You talk about a hallelujah kinda of time. Pastor Rush's message was on "Heavens Best and the Devil's Nightmare'. How God has always been up in you, yet you weren't ready to see what He has for you--so the Devil (who just happens to be liar) preyed on your weakness. The impatience of the wait for the Blessing, so you tried to do it all yourself--and failed. I am so guilty of this. To push where you should have learn patience. How you wait is key.

Nothing happens by chance. I picked a seat by a mom and daughter. They were first timers at IBOC. The mom was a cat person--so you know we became best friends. And the daughter, a sweet young lady that just got out of jail. She called it, "been away." I asked her if she planned to go back. No. She heard of IBOC on the radio, and God told her to get out of bed and come to church.

During Pastor Rush's chat with visitors who stood up (I visit enough so I quit standing up). He spoke with this young lady--OK after I pointed at her. She told him how she arrived this morning,--OK after she was a bit shy, and I whispered, "Tell him what you told me."
All SO good. I didn't know this young lady, yet I was proud of her. The young lady, on the other side of me--they both chatted to each other. They may have had the 'been away' thing in common.

We exchanged numbers and e-mails. She even asked me if I'd like to join her and her mom for lunch. I couldn't this Sunday, I told her, yet I would certainly take a rain check. Nice, nice people. And mom likes cats.

The Devil is a liar. Remember that.

Rejoice!

Saturday Short II

Just found out a chum was a barrel racer in the rodeo in her younger days. I really don't know what that is, except I don't want to do it. Think you know a person and they STILL surprise you! :) I'm waiting for her definition of exactly what it is. Me? Never much cared for the rodeo. My fear of horses might've hindered any possible enjoyment. Being around eight years old, possession of a keen lack of sense, a bunch of us tried to crawl under the belly of a neighbors' horse. During my turn, the horse moved and 'bout stepped on me. So much for the equestrian life for me. :)

Tomorrow to His House, because He's been in mine all week.

Then to get all de-cluttering done in time for kick-off Sunday night to watch the Cowboys go for 3-0.

Sunday's SunBlock and Other Stuff

As Sunday tries to cool itself down from a temp of 106 or 107--depends on who you listen to- I ponder about the day:

When did I become the 'older' person in a group? Praised in my church home today, then out to lunch with church chums. Six of them who ranged from 26-35. I am not in their demographic. That was evident. I listened. I laughed. I wanted to just hold em hostage until they all turned 40. What they spoke of, I'd been there, done that--a few times, plus have the t-shirt.

Brave about Sonic's Strawberry Limeade. Had a Mocha Java Chiller as a back up. The strawberry Limeade..not bad...not bad at all. There was zip to it. The Sprite wasn't flat. Good. I saved it for later, since ...the Mocha Java Chiller screamed my name. Will get it again-the strawberry limeade, I mean, the Java Chiller is a given.

Being a writer. Friday night I told E Lynn Harris how I procrastinate about my own writing, even tho his style is one I closest want to emulate. Listened to him during his book signing stop-to realize your passion. How if you don't write that story, it'll mess your life. All if just hit. I reminded him I was the one that brought him bottles of Orange Crush during his prior Dallas stops. Nice he remembered.

Movie Man. We hung out Saturday. I drove us around in my Orange Julius car. The first time I did the driving. He's hauled me around everywhere. Especially when I recuperated from surgery. Yesterday, we went to a Barnes & Nobles, where two years ago, on my birthday, we sat in the parking lot while I gave myself my daily IV. Yesterday, in that parking lot was a much better experience. Ya know, I asked him if I scared him with my driving...come to think of it, the guy gave me NO answer. Hmm.

Aaron McCargo. First episode of his new show today. Not bad. His food is stuff I would eat.

Gene Simmons Family Jewels. A guilty pleasure.

Pre-season football. A test of patience....a HUGE test of patience to wait for the REAL sports season to commence. Just a little over a month to go! Then all those first down and 10s will mean something!

Another day inches towards its end. I had the privilege to be part of it.

I am blessed.

Sunday Slow Down...

Almost 6pm. 100 Degrees. Just finished a spur of the moment “Let’s Eat” at Chili's with a chum of mine, the CPA. She’s not quite the CPA, yet soon will be. Says she’s gets into balancing her checkbook to zero. Oh, really? Balance checkbooks? Wow—now ain’t that novelty? Good chat. To think this is the same girl who, and another co-worker thought it humorous to put Anbesol on my water jug. I didn’t realize their felony. My lips numbed. I thought I had a stroke symptom not heard before. Yes, I let her live. She’s quite my Little Sister in Christ now. And she’s gonna have a cow when she reads this…..oh well! :)

Other Sunday thoughts-I visited the Inspiring Body of Christ Church today. Even though, I love my church, I visit a few times a year—especially on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas. Pastor Rickie Rush spoke from Galatians 6:1-7. How we, as Christians. restore each other. That we should not tire of those coming to us for advice and/or to just need us to listen. These folks are drawn to us, yet we better not think we’re all that because they do. For me personally, I’ve realized younger women come to me, because I ‘tell it like it is’ and I become their other mother. I 've not given birth, yet I have about a dozen kids. It’s a role I’m getting use to. Sometimes, it’s a role I’m not sure I quite like. After today’s lesson, I learned it’s really not my say. All in all, Pastor Rush’s sermon hit where I live. I even told him so after service. An added bonus was seeing a friend as a choir member-which for the past few months has been all male. A good (and handsome) 150 voices strong. I didn’t know my friend had joined the choir—nice surprise to see him amongst those who sang Zion's song.

The storms we go though to get where we need to go. For me, I ponder about my writing. I self published a book in 1998. Not written another book since. I even sent a copy, with rose potpourri in the envelope, to Oprah. Never heard back. :) I’ve written a few fiction short stories and some articles. Some even published. Yet not another book. I’ve started a book re-do a time or three, on that self published book. It’s been suggested I consider public speaking, because of the book—being about a motherless daughter who wonder, ‘what if….” Also of being a play write. I wrote a one act play which I’m told needs to be longer. I realize God has blessed me with a gift. It’s up to me if I choose to use it. Habakkuk 2:2 is my mantra. I’d put it here, yet that would be too easy. Take a minute to look it up—especially if you aspire to write.

Sunday thoughts--God is in my house every day. Feels good to go to His.

Cougar Cool-Aid

‘Cougar’ has taken on a whole new definition. Not such a strong, gorgeous feline in the forest anymore, but a strong, gorgeous feline who resides in her own habitat, on any given street, in any concrete or non-paved jungle, on any given hemisphere. The cougar, I speak of, is an older feline who has a hanker for younger cubs. You know the celebrity roster: Demi Moore, Joan Collins, Susan Sarandon, Halle Berry and even “Mar” aka Mary Tyler Moore—guess tossing that cap in the air was a good thing! .

What about the everyday woman? Clips coupons. Likes the sales at Target. Watches The Next New Food Network Star? Ya know, like ME?

See, I was told I’m a cougar. Why? Because I have a sweet little crush on this guy. Even though Movie Man is 18 years my senior—we’re more like little brother (one I never wanted) and big sister (when he listens to me). No, I’m talking about this guy from church.

CHURCH?!?!? :)

Calm down.

I don’t think he’s older than 25---if he’s even 25. Early 20-something. When this guy was born—let’s says 1983—I was---well---hmmm…uh…doing things. Chums look at me like I’m nuts (hey no nod of your head! J What can I possibly see in him, they ask? After all, I could have carried him in my belly!

After some ponder: his potential. Hugs ain’t bad either, yet, we’ll stay on topic. His potential. An aura of maturity circles him. Our conversations have centered on writing, and have taken place only in church. Granted, he’s young, with so much more to experience (heck, so do I!) He hasn’t got a clue what’s in store. Yet, from his vibe, I’m confident when he hits life’s bumps in the road—he’ll be able to smooth em out—no problem. I just see it. Know it. Feel it.

My chums shake their head: He’s too young for you! Look, I’m not asking to wear his letter jacket or get married. However, I do wonder how our conversation would be over coffee. To hear his view of the world. Our history making election. His dreams. Then I wonder still, would I be able to carry on a conversation with a guy who never experienced life without computers, cell phones, or gasoline less than a dollar a gallon?

Maybe I could. Maybe I couldn’t. Almost makes me want to find out.

Nonetheless, I see a good man on the horizon. His parents did a good job. His potential. Our future looks even more brilliant with more guys like him at the helm.

If that makes me a cougar---so be it.

Now, if you will excuse me, I need stalk my prey for this night: Blue Bell Coffee Ice Cream.

Sunday....

It's about 4 pm. A cat is in the window. One of them anyway....my a/c just came on. A taste of what summer will be here in Texas. You would think I'd know by now.

Today has been glorious day. This morning, I headed to church and got my Praise on. Pastor preached from Acts 4. Good, Good stuff.

Even in the midst of my troubles, I am joyful. What more can I say?

In the name of Jesus.

Amen.

At lunch today...

I sat with four church chums where one born in 1975, two in 1977 and one in 1980. Three young ladies and a young man. Very interesting to hear views. All the time I saw was my life and what I was doing in their birth years--drinkin' and dancin' mostly--yet, that's another post.... :) To hear them speak of the election. How they didn't want it be such a black/white thing. The young man, one of the two born in '77, said, "I know somebody famous died the year I was born. I don't know who it was tho."

Elvis Pressley, I informed him. He stared at me as if I jibber jabbered. I just shook his head and shrugged his shoulders, "Whoever he is."

Ahhh....and to think all I had to drink was pink lemonade.