Friday, April 27, 2007
The Creation by James Weldon Johnson
And God stepped out on space,
And he looked around and said:
I'm lonely--
I'll make me a world.
And far as the eye of God could see
Darkness covered everything,
Blacker than a hundred midnights
Down in a cypress swamp.
Then God smiled,
And the light broke,
And the darkness rolled up on one side,
And the light stood shining on the other,
And God said: That's good!
Then God reached out and took the light in his hands,
And God rolled the light around in his hands
Until he made the sun;
And he set that sun a-blazing in the heavens.
And the light that was left from making the sun
God gathered it up in a shining ball
And flung it against the darkness,
Spangling the night with the moon and stars.
Then down between
The darkness and the light
He hurled the world;
And God said: That's good!
Then God himself stepped down--
And the sun was on his right hand,
And the moon was on his left;
The stars were clustered about his head,
And the earth was under his feet.
And God walked, and where he trod
His footsteps hollowed the valleys out
And bulged the mountains up.
Then he stopped and looked and saw
That the earth was hot and barren.
So God stepped over to the edge of the world
And he spat out the seven seas--
He batted his eyes, and the lightnings flashed--
He clapped his hands, and the thunders rolled--
And the waters above the earth came down,
The cooling waters came down.
Then the green grass sprouted,
And the little red flowers blossomed,
The pine tree pointed his finger to the sky,
And the oak spread out his arms,
The lakes cuddled down in the hollows of the ground,
And the rivers ran down to the sea;
And God smiled again,
And the rainbow appeared,
And curled itself around his shoulder.
Then God raised his arm and he waved his hand
Over the sea and over the land,
And he said: Bring forth! Bring forth!
And quicker than God could drop his hand,
Fishes and fowls
And beasts and birds
Swam the rivers and the seas,
Roamed the forests and the woods,
And split the air with their wings.
And God said: That's good!
Then God walked around,
And God looked around
On all that he had made.
He looked at his sun,
And he looked at his moon,
And he looked at his little stars;
He looked on his world
With all its living things,
And God said: I'm lonely still.
Then God sat down--
On the side of a hill where he could think;
By a deep, wide river he sat down;
With his head in his hands,
God thought and thought,
Till he thought: I'll make me a man!
Up from the bed of the river
God scooped the clay;
And by the bank of the river
He kneeled him down;
And there the great God Almighty
Who lit the sun and fixed it in the sky,
Who flung the stars to the most far corner of the night,
Who rounded the earth in the middle of his hand;
This great God,
Like a mammy bending over her baby,
Kneeled down in the dust
Toiling over a lump of clay
Till he shaped it in is his own image;
Then into it he blew the breath of life,
And man became a living soul.
Amen.Amen.
And he looked around and said:
I'm lonely--
I'll make me a world.
And far as the eye of God could see
Darkness covered everything,
Blacker than a hundred midnights
Down in a cypress swamp.
Then God smiled,
And the light broke,
And the darkness rolled up on one side,
And the light stood shining on the other,
And God said: That's good!
Then God reached out and took the light in his hands,
And God rolled the light around in his hands
Until he made the sun;
And he set that sun a-blazing in the heavens.
And the light that was left from making the sun
God gathered it up in a shining ball
And flung it against the darkness,
Spangling the night with the moon and stars.
Then down between
The darkness and the light
He hurled the world;
And God said: That's good!
Then God himself stepped down--
And the sun was on his right hand,
And the moon was on his left;
The stars were clustered about his head,
And the earth was under his feet.
And God walked, and where he trod
His footsteps hollowed the valleys out
And bulged the mountains up.
Then he stopped and looked and saw
That the earth was hot and barren.
So God stepped over to the edge of the world
And he spat out the seven seas--
He batted his eyes, and the lightnings flashed--
He clapped his hands, and the thunders rolled--
And the waters above the earth came down,
The cooling waters came down.
Then the green grass sprouted,
And the little red flowers blossomed,
The pine tree pointed his finger to the sky,
And the oak spread out his arms,
The lakes cuddled down in the hollows of the ground,
And the rivers ran down to the sea;
And God smiled again,
And the rainbow appeared,
And curled itself around his shoulder.
Then God raised his arm and he waved his hand
Over the sea and over the land,
And he said: Bring forth! Bring forth!
And quicker than God could drop his hand,
Fishes and fowls
And beasts and birds
Swam the rivers and the seas,
Roamed the forests and the woods,
And split the air with their wings.
And God said: That's good!
Then God walked around,
And God looked around
On all that he had made.
He looked at his sun,
And he looked at his moon,
And he looked at his little stars;
He looked on his world
With all its living things,
And God said: I'm lonely still.
Then God sat down--
On the side of a hill where he could think;
By a deep, wide river he sat down;
With his head in his hands,
God thought and thought,
Till he thought: I'll make me a man!
Up from the bed of the river
God scooped the clay;
And by the bank of the river
He kneeled him down;
And there the great God Almighty
Who lit the sun and fixed it in the sky,
Who flung the stars to the most far corner of the night,
Who rounded the earth in the middle of his hand;
This great God,
Like a mammy bending over her baby,
Kneeled down in the dust
Toiling over a lump of clay
Till he shaped it in is his own image;
Then into it he blew the breath of life,
And man became a living soul.
Amen.Amen.
AIN'T I A WOMAN? by Sojourner Truth
(Delivered 1851 at the Women's Convention in Akron, Ohio)
Well, children, where there is so much racket there must be something out of kilter. I think that 'twixt the negroes of the South and the women at the North, all talking about rights, the white men will be in a fix pretty soon. But what's all this here talking about?
That man over there says that women need to be helped into carriages, and lifted over ditches, and to have the best place everywhere. Nobody ever helps me into carriages, or over mud-puddles, or gives me any best place! And ain't I a woman? Look at me! Look at my arm! I have ploughed and planted, and gathered into barns, and no man could head me! And ain't I a woman? I could work as much and eat as much as a man - when I could get it - and bear the lash as well! And ain't I a woman? I have borne thirteen children, and seen most all sold off to slavery, and when I cried out with my mother's grief, none but Jesus heard me! And ain't I a woman?
Then they talk about this thing in the head; what's this they call it? [member of audience whispers, "intellect"] That's it, honey. What's that got to do with women's rights or negroes' rights? If my cup won't hold but a pint, and yours holds a quart, wouldn't you be mean not to let me have my little half measure full?
Then that little man in black there, he says women can't have as much rights as men, 'cause Christ wasn't a woman! Where did your Christ come from? Where did your Christ come from? From God and a woman! Man had nothing to do with Him.
If the first woman God ever made was strong enough to turn the world upside down all alone, these women together ought to be able to turn it back , and get it right side up again! And now they is asking to do it, the men better let them.
Obliged to you for hearing me, and now old Sojourner ain't got nothing more to say.
Well, children, where there is so much racket there must be something out of kilter. I think that 'twixt the negroes of the South and the women at the North, all talking about rights, the white men will be in a fix pretty soon. But what's all this here talking about?
That man over there says that women need to be helped into carriages, and lifted over ditches, and to have the best place everywhere. Nobody ever helps me into carriages, or over mud-puddles, or gives me any best place! And ain't I a woman? Look at me! Look at my arm! I have ploughed and planted, and gathered into barns, and no man could head me! And ain't I a woman? I could work as much and eat as much as a man - when I could get it - and bear the lash as well! And ain't I a woman? I have borne thirteen children, and seen most all sold off to slavery, and when I cried out with my mother's grief, none but Jesus heard me! And ain't I a woman?
Then they talk about this thing in the head; what's this they call it? [member of audience whispers, "intellect"] That's it, honey. What's that got to do with women's rights or negroes' rights? If my cup won't hold but a pint, and yours holds a quart, wouldn't you be mean not to let me have my little half measure full?
Then that little man in black there, he says women can't have as much rights as men, 'cause Christ wasn't a woman! Where did your Christ come from? Where did your Christ come from? From God and a woman! Man had nothing to do with Him.
If the first woman God ever made was strong enough to turn the world upside down all alone, these women together ought to be able to turn it back , and get it right side up again! And now they is asking to do it, the men better let them.
Obliged to you for hearing me, and now old Sojourner ain't got nothing more to say.
For My People by Margaret Walker
For my people everywhere singing their slave songs repeatedly: their dirges and their ditties and their blues and their jubilees, praying their prayers nightly to an unknown god, bending their knees humbly to an unseen power;
For my people lending their strength to the years, to the gone years and the now years and the maybe years, washing ironing cooking scrubbing sewing mending hoeing plowing digging planting pruning patching dragging along never gaining never reaping never knowing and never understanding.
For my playmates in the clay and dust and sand of Alabama backyards playing and baptizing and preaching and doctor and jail and soldier and school and mama and cooking and playhouse and concert and store and hair and Miss Choomby and company;
For the cramped bewildered years we went to school to learn to know the reasons why and the answers to and the people who and the places where and the days when, in memory of the bitter hours when we discovered we were black and poor and small and different and nobody cared and nobody wondered and nobody understood.
For the boys and girls who grew in spite of these things to be Man and Woman, to laugh and dance and sing and play and drink their wine and religion and success, to marry their playmates and bear children and then die of consumption and anemia and lynching;
For my people thronging 47th Street in Chicago and Lenox Avenue in New York and Rampart Street in New Orleans, lost disinherited dispossessed and happy people filling the cabarets and taverns and other people's pockets needing bread and shoes and milk and land and money and something—something all our own;
For my people walking blindly spreading joy, losing time being lazy, sleeping when hungry, shouting when burdened, drinking when hopeless, tied and shackled and tangled among ourselves by the unseen creatures who tower over us omnisciently and laugh;
For my people blundering and groping and floundering in the dark of churches and schools and clubs and societies, associations and councils and committees and conventions, distressed and disturbed and deceived and devoured by money-hungry glory-craving leeches, preyed on by facile force of state and fad and novelty, by false prophet and holy believer.
For my people standing staring trying to fashion a better way from confusion, from hypocrisy and misunderstanding, trying to fashion a world that will hold all the people, all the face, all the adams and eves and their countless generations;
Let a new earth rise. Let another world be born. Let a bloody peace be written in the sky. Let a second generation full of courage issue forth; let a people loving freedom come to growth. Let a beauty full of healing and a strength of final clenching be the pulsing in our spirit and our blood. Let the martial songs be written, let the dirges disappear. Let a race of men now rise and take control.
For my people lending their strength to the years, to the gone years and the now years and the maybe years, washing ironing cooking scrubbing sewing mending hoeing plowing digging planting pruning patching dragging along never gaining never reaping never knowing and never understanding.
For my playmates in the clay and dust and sand of Alabama backyards playing and baptizing and preaching and doctor and jail and soldier and school and mama and cooking and playhouse and concert and store and hair and Miss Choomby and company;
For the cramped bewildered years we went to school to learn to know the reasons why and the answers to and the people who and the places where and the days when, in memory of the bitter hours when we discovered we were black and poor and small and different and nobody cared and nobody wondered and nobody understood.
For the boys and girls who grew in spite of these things to be Man and Woman, to laugh and dance and sing and play and drink their wine and religion and success, to marry their playmates and bear children and then die of consumption and anemia and lynching;
For my people thronging 47th Street in Chicago and Lenox Avenue in New York and Rampart Street in New Orleans, lost disinherited dispossessed and happy people filling the cabarets and taverns and other people's pockets needing bread and shoes and milk and land and money and something—something all our own;
For my people walking blindly spreading joy, losing time being lazy, sleeping when hungry, shouting when burdened, drinking when hopeless, tied and shackled and tangled among ourselves by the unseen creatures who tower over us omnisciently and laugh;
For my people blundering and groping and floundering in the dark of churches and schools and clubs and societies, associations and councils and committees and conventions, distressed and disturbed and deceived and devoured by money-hungry glory-craving leeches, preyed on by facile force of state and fad and novelty, by false prophet and holy believer.
For my people standing staring trying to fashion a better way from confusion, from hypocrisy and misunderstanding, trying to fashion a world that will hold all the people, all the face, all the adams and eves and their countless generations;
Let a new earth rise. Let another world be born. Let a bloody peace be written in the sky. Let a second generation full of courage issue forth; let a people loving freedom come to growth. Let a beauty full of healing and a strength of final clenching be the pulsing in our spirit and our blood. Let the martial songs be written, let the dirges disappear. Let a race of men now rise and take control.
Phenomenal Woman by Maya Angelou
Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I'm telling lies.
I say,
It's in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It's the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can't touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them
They say they still can't see.
I say,
It's in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
Now you understand
Just why my head's not bowed.
I don't shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It's in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need of my care,
'Cause I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I'm telling lies.
I say,
It's in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It's the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can't touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them
They say they still can't see.
I say,
It's in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
Now you understand
Just why my head's not bowed.
I don't shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It's in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need of my care,
'Cause I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
Monday, April 23, 2007
Friendly Quote
"Treat people the way "they" want to be treated; not the way "you" want to be treated". - Tiffany Willis-Gilmore
I, Too, Sing America by Langston Hughes
I, too, sing America.
I am the darker brother.
They send me to eat in the kitchen
When company comes,
But I laugh,
And eat well,
And grow strong.
Tomorrow,
I'll be at the table
When company comes.
Nobody'll dare
Say to me,
"Eat in the kitchen,"
Then.
Besides,
They'll see how beautiful I am
And be ashamed--
I, too, am America.
I am the darker brother.
They send me to eat in the kitchen
When company comes,
But I laugh,
And eat well,
And grow strong.
Tomorrow,
I'll be at the table
When company comes.
Nobody'll dare
Say to me,
"Eat in the kitchen,"
Then.
Besides,
They'll see how beautiful I am
And be ashamed--
I, too, am America.
Bearing Each Other's Burden by Charles Stanley
(Scripture: Galatians 6:1-5)
Introduction: Do you feel that sharing your burdens—your heartache, trouble or pain—with someone else is a sign of weakness? Oftentimes, we carry things God never intends for us to carry, and we bear burdens God never intends for us to bear alone. In this message we’ll talk about how to bear each other’s burdens.
Review from “Letting God Handle Your Burdens.”
"Burden" defined: A burden is a heaviness of the heart, spirit and soul—something that weighs us down emotionally, mentally of spiritually.
There are two types of burdens we face:
1. Burdens given by God
2. Burdens of Life
The Church should be a safe place to share our burdens. How do we go about bearing each other’s burdens?
1. Take the appropriate action: Get involved
Becoming involved with the lives of others places us in a position to know how to best help them.
2. Have the right purpose in mind: Restoration
In bearing another’s burdens, having the right purpose means working to restore that person’s emotional, spiritual, mental or physical health.
3. Have the right motive: Love
John 13:34 tells us the right motive is love: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love on another, even as I have loved you, that you love one another.”
1 Peter 4:8 – “Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.”
4. Have the right attitude: Gentleness
We must have an attitude and approach of gentleness when bearing each other’s burdens. A gentle person is one who is patient, caring, loving, kind, forgiving and accepting.
Closing: Are you ready? Are you available? Is your life the kind of life God could use you to restore those suffering around you to a sense of acceptance and personhood? He wants us to be that kind of person, and that’s a decision you have to make.
Introduction: Do you feel that sharing your burdens—your heartache, trouble or pain—with someone else is a sign of weakness? Oftentimes, we carry things God never intends for us to carry, and we bear burdens God never intends for us to bear alone. In this message we’ll talk about how to bear each other’s burdens.
Review from “Letting God Handle Your Burdens.”
"Burden" defined: A burden is a heaviness of the heart, spirit and soul—something that weighs us down emotionally, mentally of spiritually.
There are two types of burdens we face:
1. Burdens given by God
2. Burdens of Life
The Church should be a safe place to share our burdens. How do we go about bearing each other’s burdens?
1. Take the appropriate action: Get involved
Becoming involved with the lives of others places us in a position to know how to best help them.
2. Have the right purpose in mind: Restoration
In bearing another’s burdens, having the right purpose means working to restore that person’s emotional, spiritual, mental or physical health.
3. Have the right motive: Love
John 13:34 tells us the right motive is love: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love on another, even as I have loved you, that you love one another.”
1 Peter 4:8 – “Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.”
4. Have the right attitude: Gentleness
We must have an attitude and approach of gentleness when bearing each other’s burdens. A gentle person is one who is patient, caring, loving, kind, forgiving and accepting.
Closing: Are you ready? Are you available? Is your life the kind of life God could use you to restore those suffering around you to a sense of acceptance and personhood? He wants us to be that kind of person, and that’s a decision you have to make.
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Lost Without You by Robin Thicke
I just love this song and wanted to share the lyrics.
Tell me how u love me more
And how u think Im sexy baby
That u dont want nobody else
U dont want this guy u dont want that guy u wanna
Touch yourself when u see me
Tell me how u love my body
And how I make u feel baby
U wanna roll with me u wanna hold with me
U wanna stay warm and get out of the cold with me
I just love 2 hear u say it
It makes a man feel good baby
Tell me u depend on me
I need 2 hear it
Im lost without u
Cant help myself
How does it feel
2 know that I love u baby
Baby youre the perfect shape
Baby youre the perfect weight
Treat me like my birthday
I want it this way I want it that way I want it
Tell me u dont want me 2 stop
Tell me it would break your heart
That u love me and all my dirty
U wanna roll with me u wanna hold with me
U wanna make fires and get Norwegian wood with me
I just love 2 hear u say it
It makes a man feel good baby
Im lost without u
Cant help myself
How does it feel
2 know that I love u baby
Tell me how u love me more
And how u think Im sexy baby
That u dont want nobody else
U dont want this guy u dont want that guy u wanna
Touch yourself when u see me
Tell me how u love my body
And how I make u feel baby
U wanna roll with me u wanna hold with me
U wanna stay warm and get out of the cold with me
I just love 2 hear u say it
It makes a man feel good baby
Tell me u depend on me
I need 2 hear it
Im lost without u
Cant help myself
How does it feel
2 know that I love u baby
Baby youre the perfect shape
Baby youre the perfect weight
Treat me like my birthday
I want it this way I want it that way I want it
Tell me u dont want me 2 stop
Tell me it would break your heart
That u love me and all my dirty
U wanna roll with me u wanna hold with me
U wanna make fires and get Norwegian wood with me
I just love 2 hear u say it
It makes a man feel good baby
Im lost without u
Cant help myself
How does it feel
2 know that I love u baby
One Minute Prayer
>You never know when God is going to bless you!! Good
> >things happen when you least expect them to !!!!!!!!
> >>
> >Dear Lord, I thank You for this day. I thank You for
> >my being able to see and to hear this morning. I'm
> >blessed because You are a forgiving God and an
> >understanding God. You have done so much for me and
> >You keep on blessing me. Forgive me this day for
> >everything I have done, said or thought that was not
> >pleasing to you.
>
> >I ask now for Your forgiveness. Please keep me safe
> >from all danger and harm. Help me to start this day
> >with a new attitude and plenty of gratitude. Let me
> >make the best of each and every day to clear my mind
> >so that I can hear from You. Please broaden my mind
> >that I can accept all things. Let me not whine and
> >whimper over things I have no control over.
> >And It's the best response when I'm pushed beyond my
> >limits.
> >I know that when I can't pray, You listen to my heart.
> >Continue to use me to do Your will. Continue to bless
> >me that I may be a blessing to others. Keep me strong
> >that I may help the weak... Keep me uplifted that I
> >may have words of encouragement for others. I pray for
> >those that are lost and can't find their way. I pray
> >for those that are misjudged and misunderstood. I pray
> >for those who don't know You intimately. I pray for
> >those that will delete this without sharing it with
> >others. I pray for those that don't believe.
>
> >But I thank you that I believe. I believe that God
> >changes people and God changes things. I pray for all
> >my sisters and brothers. For each and every family
> >member in their households. I pray for peace, love and
> >joy in their homes that they are out of debt and all
> >their needs are met. I pray that every eye that reads
> >this knows there is no problem, circumstance, or
> >situation greater than God. Every battle is in Your
> >hands for You to fight.
> >I pray that these words be received into the hearts of
> >every eye that sees it.
>
> >If you prayed this prayer, change the number in the
> >subject box before
> >forwarding the message so people can See how many
> >people have done so. God Bless!!!!!!!!!!! Just repeat
> >this phrase and see how God moves!!
>
> >God,
> >I love you and I need you, come into my heart, please.
> >things happen when you least expect them to !!!!!!!!
> >>
> >Dear Lord, I thank You for this day. I thank You for
> >my being able to see and to hear this morning. I'm
> >blessed because You are a forgiving God and an
> >understanding God. You have done so much for me and
> >You keep on blessing me. Forgive me this day for
> >everything I have done, said or thought that was not
> >pleasing to you.
>
> >I ask now for Your forgiveness. Please keep me safe
> >from all danger and harm. Help me to start this day
> >with a new attitude and plenty of gratitude. Let me
> >make the best of each and every day to clear my mind
> >so that I can hear from You. Please broaden my mind
> >that I can accept all things. Let me not whine and
> >whimper over things I have no control over.
> >And It's the best response when I'm pushed beyond my
> >limits.
> >I know that when I can't pray, You listen to my heart.
> >Continue to use me to do Your will. Continue to bless
> >me that I may be a blessing to others. Keep me strong
> >that I may help the weak... Keep me uplifted that I
> >may have words of encouragement for others. I pray for
> >those that are lost and can't find their way. I pray
> >for those that are misjudged and misunderstood. I pray
> >for those who don't know You intimately. I pray for
> >those that will delete this without sharing it with
> >others. I pray for those that don't believe.
>
> >But I thank you that I believe. I believe that God
> >changes people and God changes things. I pray for all
> >my sisters and brothers. For each and every family
> >member in their households. I pray for peace, love and
> >joy in their homes that they are out of debt and all
> >their needs are met. I pray that every eye that reads
> >this knows there is no problem, circumstance, or
> >situation greater than God. Every battle is in Your
> >hands for You to fight.
> >I pray that these words be received into the hearts of
> >every eye that sees it.
>
> >If you prayed this prayer, change the number in the
> >subject box before
> >forwarding the message so people can See how many
> >people have done so. God Bless!!!!!!!!!!! Just repeat
> >this phrase and see how God moves!!
>
> >God,
> >I love you and I need you, come into my heart, please.
Prayer for Virginia Tech
Father, right now we acknowledge You & we acknowledge Your presence & Your sovereignty. Father we lift up Virginia Tech & the people affected by the evil that has taken place on the campus. We pray that Your Spirit be with them. We pray that Your loving arms be wrapped around them & comfort them in this tragic time. We pray for families, neighbors, & friends. We pray for staff, professors, & administrators. God, we pray for people. We pray for humanity. We pray that this event will not cause people to turn from You but it will cause a nation to run to You like they have never run before.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Monday, April 9, 2007
Don't Quit by Quinton Howell
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill
When the funds are low and the debts are high
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh
When care is pressing you down a bit
Rest, you must - but don't you quit
Life is queer with its twists and turns
As everyone of us sometimes learns
And many a failure turns about
When he might have won had he stuck it out
Don't give up, though the pace seems slow
You might succeed with another blow
Success is failure turned inside out, the silver tint of the clouds of doubt
And you never can tell how close you are, It may be near when it seems so far
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit
It's when things seem worst, that you MUST NOT QUIT!
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill
When the funds are low and the debts are high
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh
When care is pressing you down a bit
Rest, you must - but don't you quit
Life is queer with its twists and turns
As everyone of us sometimes learns
And many a failure turns about
When he might have won had he stuck it out
Don't give up, though the pace seems slow
You might succeed with another blow
Success is failure turned inside out, the silver tint of the clouds of doubt
And you never can tell how close you are, It may be near when it seems so far
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit
It's when things seem worst, that you MUST NOT QUIT!
Excuses (Author Unknown)
Excuses are tools of incompetence
that build monuments of nothingness
and those that insist upon using them
are seldom good at anything else.
that build monuments of nothingness
and those that insist upon using them
are seldom good at anything else.
God has a positive answer - You Say, God Says
I was sent this very inspiring email and wanted to share its contents:
You say: "It's impossible"
God says: All things are possible
(Luke 18:27)
You say: "I'm too tired"
God says: I will give you rest
(Matthew 11:28-30)
You say: "Nobody really loves me"
God says: I love you
(John 3:1 6 & John 3:34 )
You say: "I can't go on"
God says: My grace is sufficient
(II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)
You say: "I can't figure things out"
God says: I will direct your steps
(Proverbs 3:5- 6)
You say: "I can't do it"
God says: You can do all things
(Philippians 4:13)
You say: "I'm not able"
God says: I am able
(II Corinthians 9:8)
You say: "It's not worth it"
God says: It will be worth it
(Roman 8:28 )
You say: "I can't forgive myself"
God says: I Forgive you
(I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
You say: "I can't manage"
God says: I will supply all your needs
(Philippians 4:19)
You say: "I'm afraid"
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear
(II Timothy 1:7)
You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated"
God says: Cast all your cares on ME
(I Peter 5:7)
You say: "I'm not smart enough"
God says: I give you wisdom
(I Corinthians 1:30)
You say: "I feel all alone"
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you
(Hebrews 13:5)
You say: "It's impossible"
God says: All things are possible
(Luke 18:27)
You say: "I'm too tired"
God says: I will give you rest
(Matthew 11:28-30)
You say: "Nobody really loves me"
God says: I love you
(John 3:1 6 & John 3:34 )
You say: "I can't go on"
God says: My grace is sufficient
(II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)
You say: "I can't figure things out"
God says: I will direct your steps
(Proverbs 3:5- 6)
You say: "I can't do it"
God says: You can do all things
(Philippians 4:13)
You say: "I'm not able"
God says: I am able
(II Corinthians 9:8)
You say: "It's not worth it"
God says: It will be worth it
(Roman 8:28 )
You say: "I can't forgive myself"
God says: I Forgive you
(I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
You say: "I can't manage"
God says: I will supply all your needs
(Philippians 4:19)
You say: "I'm afraid"
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear
(II Timothy 1:7)
You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated"
God says: Cast all your cares on ME
(I Peter 5:7)
You say: "I'm not smart enough"
God says: I give you wisdom
(I Corinthians 1:30)
You say: "I feel all alone"
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you
(Hebrews 13:5)
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
DID YOU LET HIM LEAVE HIS BAGS? (Author Unknown)
YOU PUT THE DEVIL OUT, BUT DID YOU LET HIM LEAVE HIS BAGS?
You got out of a bad relationship because it was bad, but you are still resentful and angry (you let the devil leave his bags). You got out of financial debt, but you still can't control the desire to spend on frivolous things (you let the devil leave his bags). You got out of a bad habit or addiction, but you still long to try it just one more time (you let the devil leave his bags). You said, I forgive you, but you can't seem to forget and have peace with that person (you let the devil leave his bags). You told your unequally yoked mate that it was over, but you still continue to call (you let the devil leave his bags). You got out of that horribly oppressive job, but you are still trying to sabotage the company after you've left (you let the devil leave his bags). You cut off the affair with that married man/woman, but you still lust after him/her (you let the devil leave his bags). You broke off your relationship with that hurtful, abusive person, but you are suspicious and distrusting of every new person you meet (you let the devil leave his bags). You decided to let go of the past hurts from growing up in an unstable environment, yet you believe you are unworthy of love from others and you refuse to get attached to anyone (you let the devil leave his bags). When you put the devil out, please make sure he takes his bags!
HAPPINESS KEEPS YOU SWEET
TRIALS KEEP YOU STRONG
AND SORROWS KEEP YOU HUMAN
FAILURES KEEP YOU HUMBLE
SUCCESS KEEPS YOU GLOWING
BUT ONLY GOD KEEPS YOU GOING!
Today and every day, Let the Devil Take His Bags With Him! Be Blessed, Healthy and Happy!
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Let It Go for 2007 (Author Unknown)
There are people who can walk away from you. And hear me when I tell you this! When people can walk away from you: let them walk. I don't want you to try to talk another person into staying with you, loving you, calling you, caring about you, coming to see you, staying attached to you. I mean hang up the phone. When people can walk away from you let them walk. Your destiny is never tied to anybody that left. The bible said that, they came out from us that it might be made manifest that they were not for us. For had they been of us, no doubt they would have continued with us. [1 John 2:19] People leave you because they are not joined to you. And if they are not joined to you, you can't make them stay. Let them go. And it doesn't mean that they are a bad person it just means that their part in the story is over. And you've got to know when people's part in your story is over so that you don't keep trying to raise the dead. You've got to know when it's over. Let me tell you something. I've got the gift of good-bye. It's the tenth spiritual gift, I believe in good-bye. It's not that I'm hateful, it's that I'm faithful, and I know whatever God means for me to have He'll give it to me. And if it takes too much sweat I don't need it. Stop begging people to stay. Let them go!! If you are holding on to something that doesn't belong to you and was never intended for your life, then you need to......LET IT GO!!! If you are holding on to past hurts and pains .......LET IT GO!!! If someone can't treat you right, love you back, and see your worth.....LET IT GO!!! If someone has angered you ........LET IT GO!!! If you are holding on to some thoughts of evil and revenge......LET IT GO!!! If you are involved in a wrong relationship or addiction.....LET IT GO!!! If you are holding on to a job that no longer meets your needs or talents...LET IT GO!!! If you have a bad attitude.......LET IT GO!!! If you keep judging others to make yourself feel better......LET IT GO!!! If you're stuck in the past and God is trying to take you to a new level in Him......LET IT GO!!!If you are struggling with the healing of a broken relationship.........LET IT GO!!! If you keep trying to help someone who won't even try to help themselves.....LET IT GO!!! If you're feeling depressed and stressed ..........LET IT GO!!! If there is a particular situation that you are so used to handling yourself and God is saying "take your hands off of it," then you need to......LET IT GO!!! Let the past be the past. Forget the former things. GOD is doing a new thing for 2007 !!! LET IT GO!!! Get Right or Get Left .. think about it, and then ...LET IT GO!!! "The Battle is the Lord's!"
The Road to Success
Philippians 4:13 --- I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me
> The road to success is not straight.
> The road to success is not straight.
There is a curve called Failure, a loop called Confusion,
speed bumps called Friends, red lights called Enemies,
caution lights called Family. You will have flats called Jobs.
But, if you have a spare called Determination,
an engine called Perseverance, insurance called Faith,
> a driver called Jesus, and you will make it to a place called Success.
>
> a driver called Jesus, and you will make it to a place called Success.
>
Sunday, April 1, 2007
Common Denominator
I realize and understand
that everything that happens
to me, with me and through me
happens for a reason
The good and bad
choices that I make in my life
are indicative of my
perception
of my experiences and exposure
when and if I make bad decisions
with other people
the only thing that is
the same in each case
is me
I have
the ability to change
and to change things
that everything that happens
to me, with me and through me
happens for a reason
The good and bad
choices that I make in my life
are indicative of my
perception
of my experiences and exposure
when and if I make bad decisions
with other people
the only thing that is
the same in each case
is me
I have
the ability to change
and to change things
"Will Work for Food"
Some years ago, I pulled off I-95 in Miami, Florida just to find a man standing there with a "Will Work for Food" sign made of cardboard. The sign holder definitely appeared to need somethings (i.e., shower, new clothes, hair cut and etc.). However, I came up with this very unique idea about how I could rush home and pack him some of the groceries that I purchased rather than give him the $10 that I had in my ash tray. So, off I went in record-breaking time to my lovely Miami Lakes suite. I filled a large bag with fruits, snacks, water, sandwiches and anything else I could find. I returned back to the location just to find, the man had left. I felt absolutely horrible. I let my selfishness stand in the way of me being a blessing to someone else!
I quickly delivered the bag to my friend, Jackson at the campus of FMC. I urged him to give it to someone in need; he knew just the person. I zoomed off to my volunteer post at the hospital. I arrived at the exit (once again off I-95) just to find another man standing with a "Will Work for Food" sign. I motioned for the guy to approach the car. I shoved the $10 at him and told him to "have a blessed day"! He stood there in total disbelief asking, "ma'am, are you sure you want to give me this?" and I replied, "yes, please go" as cars were honking at me.
I then reflected on what one of my mentorees, Jose had told me. He said that he always gives the homeless money because he never knows in what form Jesus will return. He said, "Tiffany, he could look like anyone and I don't want to miss my blessing".
I'm sharing this with you because I don't want any of us to miss our blessing. Be blessed.
I quickly delivered the bag to my friend, Jackson at the campus of FMC. I urged him to give it to someone in need; he knew just the person. I zoomed off to my volunteer post at the hospital. I arrived at the exit (once again off I-95) just to find another man standing with a "Will Work for Food" sign. I motioned for the guy to approach the car. I shoved the $10 at him and told him to "have a blessed day"! He stood there in total disbelief asking, "ma'am, are you sure you want to give me this?" and I replied, "yes, please go" as cars were honking at me.
I then reflected on what one of my mentorees, Jose had told me. He said that he always gives the homeless money because he never knows in what form Jesus will return. He said, "Tiffany, he could look like anyone and I don't want to miss my blessing".
I'm sharing this with you because I don't want any of us to miss our blessing. Be blessed.
Highly Recommended, the movie, "Pride"
Bravo to the makers of the movie "Pride"! This true story of a swimming coach taking a group of inner city kids to the state championships was set in Philadelphia in the 1970s. The PDR (pride, determination and resilience) of the main character, Jim Ellis (played by Terrence Howard) was just what the doctor ordered. The casting, costumes and chemistry of these great actors which included: Kimberly Elise, Bernie Mac and Tom Arnold engulfed you in such a way that you forget you are watching a movie. The movie goers cheers were so heartfelt that you'd think they were at the actual swim meets. The movie sent chills of inspiration down my spine. I felt obligated to spread the word thereby calling close friends/family as I was leaving the cinema to let them know this is a "must see, asap movie" (a term I coined just for this movie).
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