GOD WANTS US TO KEEP IT SIMPLE

So often people shun the teachings of Jesus Christ because well meaning Christians have complicated the simple message of redemption.The message of hope and freedom somehow is often burdened down with rules, regulations, dress codes, and layers of personal interpretations. I often say Christ created cool. He just would not waiver from His purpose and His message remained consistent. "I must be about my Father's business." There was no way to get Jesus off track. His example of steadfastness even during His crucifixion remains one of the most remarkable feats in history. I am blessed to be surrounded by people who have made a decision of quality to keep it simple. Twenty-three months ago a few of us after leaving a large ministry decided to meet in a non-religious setting [office] each Sunday to not only study the bible, but we decided to make an effort daily to walk in divine love and appropriate the promises of God. Our study group is called TOOLS FOR ESSENTIAL LIVING and we recently connected with Meetup to create a more seamless communication format.

 Each study group member willfully makes a decision to disengage from counterproductive thoughts, mindsets, patterns, and attitudes that negate our true Christ nature. We truly have fun and make the environment congenial to everyone in attendance. The link below is a snapshot of one of our sessions. Minister Byron Clark did a masterful job of sharing God's word and we enjoyed a wonderful fellowship meal afterwards. God really wants us to keep His word simple and share the message of Jesus the Christ in our daily walk.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7A7F1Tv1ug&feature=channel&list=UL

LEAVING SPACE TO BREATHE

Several people congratulated me on my recent "retirement" and I consistently corrected them by saying I am not retiring. I admittedly was not expecting folks to describe my resignation from a company as retirement. I understand most people were looking at the amount of years spent with a company and equated it to retirement. I heard a minister say if you look at the word retire it gives a full description of the word. He stated RE-TIRE is to become tired all over again. Oh no who wants that? I know re-tiring is not for me as I have no intentions of being tired and exhausted again. I've spent almost twenty-nine years existing within the confines of State and Federal regulatory guidelines. Some days I felt as if I couldn't breathe there was so much cramped and stuffed in a given day. Now is the time for me to live my passion and do what I enjoy. Now is the time for me to breathe. I love sharing the message of hope with others and providing assistance. However, I will not allow feelings of being cramped and stuffed to be part of my life experience. I will leave space in my life to breathe and it feels wonderful!

TEAR DOWN THE WALL

So often our feelings and emotions serve as barriers to enjoying an authentic life experience. Essentially our feelings and emotions take on the role of bricklayers and masons constructing a wall around us for protection from other people. The video below simply yet poignantly conveys a powerful message.

 If you want to learn how to dismantle your brick wall visit http://www.meetup.com/THE-ME-GOD-SEES-BOOK-CLUB/, Hopefully, you will begin to tear down your wall after viewing this video.

OTHER PEOPLE GOTTA LOVE 'EM

A former pastor often said "my life would be perfect if it weren't for other people." The entire congregation would burst out laughing as he lamented on the challenges presented by "other people." I laughed so hard because I agreed with his erroneous summation. Just who are these other people? Well more often than not they are called relatives and you know them well. In New Orleans we have a catch all category called: Ya Momma and Dem. Other people have the worst timing in the world. They routinely have a list of needs and frequently solicit your assistance. Caller ID is a wonderful monitor of "other people". I am convinced the inventor of Caller ID had an abundance of "other people" in their life. Another thing about "other people" is their proclivity towards being opinionated. They have a commentary on every issue especially those concerning you, your life and your decisions. "Other people" also tend to get angry if you do not respond to their manipulative tactics on cue. God forbid should you proceed with life as if they do not exist and laugh out loud. "Other people" detest laughing when their needs are not being met. They slam doors, use profanity, gossip, and have entire conversations using innuendo. "Other people love drama. Their mantra is I have drama; therefore, I am. Remember, beware of your comments about these bothersome "other people" because you are the "other people" in someone's life.

JUST ANOTHER TUESDAY

Mardi Gras is officially over in New Orleans. The weather was beautiful, and the atmosphere seemed festive. I viewed the parades from the comfort of my living room. The local news stations do an incredible job of live streaming the parades and sights that are not rated X. Our Mardi Gras menu included hot dogs with chili, red beans with sausage, king cake, chips and sodas. We had an enjoyable time. Growing up in New Orleans all we knew were parades and lots of them. We lived one block off of historic St. Charles Avenue, so parades were like breathing. What I didn't know as a young child was that not everyone had Fat Tuesday celebrations in their hometowns. For most people it was just another Tuesday. My brother Kermit met a tourist today who took a picture with him. No doubt the words on her sign resonated with him as they did with me. Well, it was anything but another Tuesday for those of us blessed to live in New Orleans. Yeah, ya right!

THE DAY THE WORLD WENT TO CHURCH

Whitney Houston Funeral Service: Stars Come Out in Newark, NJ, to Honor Late Singer

Whitney Houston's mother Cissy only wanted to bring her baby girl home. She only wanted to honor the tradition Whitney grew up in. She had no particular agendas or motives. She only wanted her baby girl to transition in a familiar setting. Never in her wildest dreams did she ever realize without intent that she had arranged the largest Saturday morning church service and alter call ever. I know Whitney is so proud of her mother and she would have changed nothing if given an opportunity. Whitney indicated to her mother days before she transitioned to life after life that she was going to visit her soon. On last Saturday, Cissy Houston reported that on three separate occasions the doorbell of her home rang, but no one was at the door. I think it is safe to say that Whitney did come home and by doing so the entire world went to church this morning. Whitney's transition is a call to each of us to never stop loving someone while in the midst of their struggle. We have to be there for each other . Whitney, I will always love you. Thank you for sharing your gifts with each of us.

MANY FACETS OF BEAUTY

Being a child of color in the 1960's and 1970's I had few people on television who looked like me. Additionally, my early school books Fun With Dick and Jane were also void of people who looked like me. I never gave any significant thought to these blatant omissions. Fortunately, I didn't have to look outside of my home or enter into the portals of TV Land to find a beautiful strong woman of color. All I needed to do was look at my mother. She was youthful, intelligent, attractive, and hard working. She was like a mother and big sister rolled up in one. We always had fun. Playing Scrabble, Life, Old Maids, Jacks, Monopoly, Shenanigans, and playing school were part of our regular routine. She had a great figure and watched her caloric intake while exercising daily. Today, as a women in her 70's she is still youthful, intelligent, attractive, and hard working. She is proof that beauty like a flawless diamond has many facets.I love you Ma. I am eternally grateful to you for being everything I needed as a child and as a woman today.